May 7, 2021
By: PROBLYN JOHN ALPHA (Kono)
The District Manager Network Movement for Justice and Development (N.M.J.D) Kono Mr Joseph Babar Ansumana, said insecurity is looming over the district. He made this statement haven listened to the security update made by the Kono District Coordinator office of National Security, Mustapha Bonnie on a radio discussion with regards the country’s independence. According to the said security update political, boundary and religious inter and intra conflicts are posing huge security threats in the district but noted that his office has put plans in place to address them.
Political violence during the ruling SLPP lower level elections where people sustained multiple of wounds noting that they had no option but to instruct the national leadership of the party to put on hold the said lower level electioneering process for the sake of peace.
He also cited the village chieftaincy election at Yiegbeda in Nimiyama chiefdom – Kono District that claimed the life of a fifteen years old boy (Francis Komba Jimmy). Political confrontations between two different political groups at community areas in Koidu city which also saw the demise of a nineteen year old boy Osman Kai Fengai and the burning of at least two dwelling houses.
The security update further captured religious inter and intra conflicts at Small Sefadu between Muslims and Christians with special reference to a conflict of interest between and among the Tablic and Christians for the wearing of shoes before and during worship hours.
The ONS District coordinator maintained that the burning of houses and firing of short guns for boundary disputes between Gbense and Kamara Chiefdoms including Soa and Lei all in Kono District have posed serious security threats but assured the people that the aforesaid security threats are under control.
Meanwhile, it is at this backdrop of the highlighted security updates the District manager of NMJD Kono said there is insecurity looming over the District and has therefore called on the ONS to relax it protocols in dealing with security matters as security starts with the individuals themselves.
In similar development, the remains of Osman Kai Fengai who was allegedly killed during a political fracas at community area in Koidu city have been laid to rest at the Samandu cemetery after a well attended funeral prayer at the Yellow Mosque Bungalow Area in Koidu city. Prior to the burial ceremony, medical examination in Freetown on the remains of the deceased stated that the cause of death is as a result of murder and police investigation into the matter continues as at least five suspects are in police custody whilst four are on the run including a prime suspect Muctaru Rogers A.K.A Mukay. This is according to the Local Unit Commander of the Tankoro Police divisional headquarters superintendent Franklyn Bawoh.