Violent clashes linked to a long-standing chieftaincy dispute have plunged Sampa, the capital of the Jaman North District, into a state of emergency.

The latest outbreak of violence has left one woman dead, a police officer shot, and resulted in the burning of several houses, including large parts of the Sampa main market.

Confirming the incident to Adom News, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Jaman North, Adane George, described the situation as volatile and dangerous, with residents fleeing and continuous gunshots echoing through the town.

“As we speak, there is no peace in Sampa. It's only gunshots and burning houses,” the DCE 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 appears to have been triggered by reports that the National House of Chiefs is preparing to gazette a particular chief, a move which has deepened existing divisions.

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

The chieftaincy conflict, which dates back to 2022, has been a recurring source of tension in the area, though the town had seen relative peace in recent months.

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

The DCE confirmed that a police officer has been shot and is currently receiving treatment at the hospital. Sporadic gunfire is still being reported across parts of the town, causing widespread fear among residents.

“Many people have fled the town. Others are locked in their rooms. Reinforcements are on their way to stabilize the situation,” he stated.

Security forces have been placed on high alert, and additional personnel are being deployed to restore calm and maintain order.

“If government does not intervene quickly, the situation could escalate even further,” the DCE warned, calling for urgent national security support and more logistical resources to contain the unrest.