AMAPÁ, BRAZIL – NOVEMBER 23, 2024 72-year-old man, Antônio Candeia Oliveira, known locally as “Maranhão,” was shot dead during a heated land dispute. Francisco Canindé, the husband of the newly elected mayor Kelly Lobato (União Brasil), has been arrested and accused of orchestrating the killing.
The conflict happened on a farm where Antônio and Francisco clashed over the ownership and use of the land. Antônio reportedly believed he had a historical claim to the property, while Francisco defended it as his own. The argument escalated, and shots were fired, resulting in Antônio’s death. Police are now investigating whether Francisco hired armed individuals who intervened during the confrontation.
After the incident, Francisco Canindé turned himself in at the local police station, accompanied by his lawyer. He remains in custody as the main suspect in ordering the murder. His wife, Kelly Lobato, was recently elected as the mayor of Amapá.
This case has stirred strong emotions in the local community and reignited debates about violence linked to land disputes in the region. These conflicts are common in Brazil, often stemming from unclear land boundaries, weak law enforcement, and long-standing tensions over land ownership. Authorities are continuing their investigation to clarify all details and hold those responsible accountable.
