Violent clashes linked to a protracted chieftaincy dispute have erupted in Sampa, the capital of the Jaman North District, leaving one woman dead, a police officer wounded, and large portions of the town’s main market in ruins. Several houses have also been torched, forcing scores of residents to flee for safety.

Confirming the incident to Adom News, District Chief Executive (DCE) Adane George described the situation as “highly volatile,” with continuous gunfire reverberating across the town.

“As we speak, there is no peace in Sampa. It’s only gunshots and burning houses,” he said. “Our main market is on fire. One woman has been killed, and several homes have been set ablaze.”

According to the DCE, the violence flared after reports emerged that the National House of Chiefs was preparing to gazette one of the rival claimants to the Sampa stool—a move that reignited simmering tensions.

“One side heard that the National House of Chiefs would gazette one of the claimants, and that triggered the unrest,” he explained.

The Sampa chieftaincy conflict, which first escalated in 2022, has periodically erupted into violence. The town had enjoyed relative calm in recent months, with local authorities even considering easing security restrictions. Ironically, the latest violence broke out just as the District Security Council (DISEC) was meeting to review the curfew.

“Today, DISEC had a meeting to review the curfew because Sampa has been calm for a while. Unfortunately, the violence broke out before we could even finish the meeting,” Mr. George noted.

The injured police officer is currently receiving treatment, while sporadic gunfire continues to unsettle the community. Many residents have abandoned their homes, with others barricading themselves indoors.

“Reinforcements are on their way to stabilize the situation,” the DCE said, adding that additional security personnel have been deployed to restore order and prevent further escalation.

He warned, however, that the situation could deteriorate rapidly without urgent intervention. “If government does not act quickly, the violence could escalate even further,” he cautioned, calling for swift national security support and logistical assistance.