Why is there conflict between Baligansin and Bumunkumbit Villages?

Balikumbat and Bamunkumbit are neighboring villages in Balikumbat subdivision in Ngoketunjia division in the North West region. Historically, it has been alleged that during the Chamba migration, the Baligansin people migrated into Bamunkumbit.

They are said to have been received with great hospitality and settled by Bamunkumbit on the south eastern end of its territory. They were treated as a quarter in Bamunkumbit but later requested the fon of Bamunkumbit at the time, to grant them autonomy to manage their own affairs. The request was granted in good faith and the Fon Bamunkumbit in recognition of their autonomy, went and planted a traditional fig tree in their palace.

After some time, it is alleged, the Baligansin people began exposing their expansionist tendency by claiming land beyond their limits .This aroused a quarrel and soured relationship and good cohabitation between them and Bamunkumbit –their host and landlord. The uneasy relationship finally led to open confrontation in the early 50’s during which lives were lost.

In 2011, the present fon of Baligansin addressed a complaint to the Divisional officer for Balikumbat subdivision making a claim over a piece of farmland in Mbacha quarter Bamunkumbit.

Two complaints have been lodged to the administration to this effect by Bamunkumbit.

Recently, the Baligansin people are alleged to have scared farmers on the disputed piece of land and a lot of destruction and stealing of crops was going on. This persisted until 26 November 2014 when one of the women was caught stealing beans and cocoyam from the farms in question.

She was immediately taken to the police in Balikumbat for questioning but not long after, the police station was invaded by Baligansin population shouting and throwing stones on the roof of the police office . They caused the woman to be forcefully and unconditionally released for the sake of peace and safety of the police station. Victims of the theft were ambushed and stoned on their way back from the police station.

On 27 November 2014, the people of Baligansin armed themselves with guns and attacked Bamunkumbit farmers in their farms in Mbacha quarter.

The Governor of the northwest region, Adolf Lele has been hailed and saluted for his promptitude of action in deploying troops to quell down the situation.

He did not only send troops but was personally present to evaluate the magnitude of the conflict .Some journalists of the public media have been misquoting the governor to have said that the piece of land was no man’s land.

According to unconfirmed sources, the said piece of land was granted to Bamunkumbit village by land commission decision of 20 July 1979 which in its last paragraph granted the right of appeal to any of the parties.