By Eumu Emmanuel
Kaberamaido District—In move to address escalating land disputes within the Kumam community, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Kaberamaido, Lotem Lions Lokori, led a team to a pivotal meeting with the cultural head, Won Ateker Papa Kumam, Rafael Otaya. The meeting, held at the Won Ateker palace, marked a concerted effort between local government and cultural leaders to foster peace and restore unity.
The discussions centered on solutions to mitigate land conflicts, which have become a common source of tension within the community. “Most cases in Kaberamaido District are land-related,” said RDC Lokori. He pointed out that many men in the district have become unproductive, spending their days playing cards and drinking alcohol, contributing to poverty and undermining community stability. This lifestyle has led to men neglecting their responsibilities, leaving women to become the primary breadwinners.
RDC Lokori expressed deep concern over the consequences of these disputes, noting that they often result in violence among family members, even leading to deaths. He highlighted that the ongoing conflicts and rising insecurity are partly fueled by youth involvement in social vices, such as drug use and frequenting discos. “There should be a permanent solution to address these issues,” he emphasized, adding that his office is committed to partnering with Won Ateker’s leadership to identify and remove disruptive elements impeding development.
Deputy RDC Hood Kisenene pledged to work closely with Won Ateker’s office to restore order and promote productive community practices. He emphasized the importance of resolving land disputes at the clan level before they escalate to court proceedings. “We will empower clan leaders to handle these conflicts to prevent them from reaching the courts,” Kisenene stated.
Rafael Otaya, Won Ateker Papa Kumam, assured the RDC and his team of his commitment to encouraging community members to prioritize work over alcohol consumption during productive hours. He noted that the root of many land disputes lies in the limited availability of land amid a growing population. “People are fighting for land because while families are expanding, the land does not,” Otaya explained. He also pointed out that economic hardship exacerbates these conflicts, as individuals look for quick solutions rather than sustainable work.
The RDC’s delegation included Deputy RDC Mr. Hood Kisenene, DIO David Komkach, and Assistant RDCs Adakun Rashid and Peter Arikos. The collective effort aims to bring lasting peace and progress to the Kumam community by addressing the underlying causes of land disputes and promoting a culture of hard work and responsibility.