Despite recent moves by the Governor of the North West Region to bring back peace to the warring villages of Baligansin and Bamunkumbit, in Balikumbat subdivision, Ngoketunjia division, there has been a fresh wave of violence and attacks, said to be orchestrated by inhabitants of Baligansin.
The conflict reemerged after inhabitants of Baligansin village violated an injunction order placed on the disputed piece of land by the governor of the North West Region to go ahead and put up a building. This was contrary to the instructions given by the governor of the North West Region on the November 29 when the conflict first erupted.
The building is being constructed near a school which was built on the disputed land. The traditional council chairman of Baligansin is also said to be putting up a building opposite GTC Baligashu on the disputed land.
The Governor of the North West region had earlier ordered them to pack their things and leave the area but they still lodge there.
Another incident occurred on January 28, when Bamunkumbit farmers went to their farms to harvest crops where they were first attacked. Before they got there, the Baligansin people shot at them.
The Sun gathered that for the past three months, the people of Baligansin have attacked their neighbours, Bamunkumbit every 28th day of the month which is now known to be the day they launch offensives.
As Bamunkumbit people went there unarmed, they started firing, they immediately reported the attack to the DO of Balikumbat subdivision, Martin Ngwa Manjong.
Meanwhile, the matter is still in court following a complaint lodged by the people of Baligansin.
Residents of the area now live in fear of further attacks. Contacted, the DO for Balikumbat subdivision Martin Ngwa Manjong said he is aware and has given instructions that the area should be monitored. Tension is still mounting in the area as the population of Bamunkumbit is still scared that another attack will be launched.
According to sources in the administration of the North West region and Ngoketunjia SDO’S office, the conflict first escalated in November 2014 after a coalition of three Bali villages, notably Baligansin, Baligashu and Balikumbat attacked the village of Bamunkumbit.
The reason for the attack, it is said was to avenge the death of one of the Baligansin villagers who had been killed by the Bamunkumbit people over a disputed piece of land. This first confrontation which took place on November 28 caused the Ngoketunjia administration to immediately step in by deploying troops to the area which is located in Balikumbat subdivision.
