A building in Tonga has been demolished after what is understood to be a family dispute, according to video footage shared online.
The video, posted to social media, shows a large excavator tearing down the structure while bystanders recorded the incident from outside the property’s gate.
The footage shows the excavator positioned on top of piles of broken timber, roofing iron, and other debris as it continues to pull apart what remains of the building.
Kaniva News understands the destruction stemmed from a disagreement related to land rights.
In the video, a woman can be heard alleging that the conflict arose because of a legal issue involving land registration. She claimed that under Tongan law, “no one should register two land allotments, only one.”
Her comments suggest the dispute involved questions about whether one party held more than a single legal allotment, an issue that has historically caused tension within some families under Tonga’s land tenure system.
The location of the property and the identity of its owner remained unknown.
Authorities and those involved in the dispute could not be reached for comment.
Strong Reactions from the Public
The footage has prompted a wave of responses across social media.
Some commenters expressed sympathy for those affected, with several alleging that the demolished building was worth “millions,” though no official estimate has been confirmed.
Others offered religious reflections, quoting verses from the Holy Bible and urging patience, forgiveness, and compassion.
Some urged families to pursue peaceful resolution rather than resorting to actions that cause visible and emotional destruction.
No Official Statement Yet
As of publication, authorities have not released any statement regarding the cause of the demolition or whether any legal proceedings will follow.
It remains unclear whether the dispute had been taken through any formal mediation channels before the situation escalated.
Kaniva News will continue to monitor developments and report as more information becomes available.
