A violent caste-based clash erupted in Koina between members of the Serahulleh community leaving 10 people seriously wounded and the destruction of properties.

The clash is reported to involve the Ganbanaaxu, a group in the Serahulleh community regarded as lower status, and those of so-called high status.

 According to eye witnesses, the fight started on Sunday night when a member of Ganbanaaxu, Mahamadou Krubally, was allegedly assaulted during the taraweeh night prayers. He was said to have been tied up and beaten by members of the so-called free born.

The members of “Ganbanaaxu” intervened, according to eyewitnesses, in an attempt to rescue their member by untying him, which led to a clash between the two factions leading to injuries on both sides.

Gunshots were allegedly fired in the air; houses were burned to the ground and scores of people were injured during the violent castes clash.

Dembo Maimuna Touray from the “Ganbanaaxu” faction was reported to be seriously injured after losing two teeth and is hospitalised at Koina Health Centre.

Mahamadou Sanneh whose compound was burned to ashes said that he was among those who went to rescue Krubally from the so-called free born.

“During that push and pull with them, some youths (so-called free born) then came to attack my compound in my absence and a gun was shot in the air three times while the others poured petrol on my house and set them ablaze. They knocked down all my fences and demolished my 8-room house. Now I’m homeless along with my family,” Sanneh said.    

Riot officers from the Police Intervention Unit were deployed to the village to restore order and keep the peace. Fifteen people are in custody helping the police with their investigations.

The police PRO could not be reached for comments on the Koina clash.