Six people are in police custody while another two are admitted at the Labasa Hospital following a knifing incident during a chiefly dispute in Nabouwalu.

Divisional Crime Officer Northern, ASP Luke Rawalai has confirmed that a team of 20 officers are also keeping a close watch on the Vuniyasi and Nabouwalu villages as the situation remain tense.

ASP Rawalai has confirmed that a brawl broke out during a meeting where the installation of a new chief was being discussed. The position of Buli Raviravi is vacant following the death the chief this year.

It is alleged that a 74 year old villager who claimed that he should be the next chief led a group of men and stormed into the village hall at Nabouwalu. The group was armed with cane knives and stones.

It was during the confrontation when the 74 year old man allegedly knifed a 62 year old man of the other faction. A group of Nabouwalu villagers then retaliated and the 74 year old was also knifed.

The two are in critical condition at the Labasa hospital.

It is then alleged that a group of Nabouwalu villagers went to Vuniyasi and vandalised a few homes and chased people away from their houses.

Some more villagers are expected to be arrested soon.