At least five people have died, and five others sustained injuries after violent clashes between residents and herdsmen in Gbiniyiri and surrounding communities in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District.

Two of the victims have been buried in Sawla, while the bodies of the remaining three have been deposited at the morgue of the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District Hospital. Those injured in the clashes are receiving treatment at different health facilities.

Reports suggested that the violence was triggered by the killing of a resident during a robbery attack in the area. Relatives of the victim reportedly launched retaliatory attacks on herdsmen suspected of being behind the robbery.

Further checks indicate that the incident is separate from the recent communal disturbances in the area, which earlier resulted in deaths and displacement.

The District Chief Executive for the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District, Senitina Saaka, confirmed the incident and said the unrest stemmed from a robbery incident in a suburb of the district.

She explained that the victim was killed after resisting the attackers in the bush, an incident that sparked reprisals by relatives and eventually escalated into the clashes that left several people dead or injured.

According to her, security has been reinforced in the area, and investigations are underway to track down and arrest those involved.