By: Problyn J. Alpha
A 20-year-old man, identified as Amos Aiah Daniel of No. 9 Sandor Street, Koidu City, Kono District, is alleged to have fatally assaulted a two-year-old girl, Messi Bangura. This was confirmed by Komba Sourie, Media Officer of the Tankoro Police Divisional Headquarters.
According to Sourie, the child’s mother, Kadie Tarawally, reported to the Family Support Unit on Tuesday, February 2, 2026, that her daughter had gone missing while playing with friends around their compound.
During police investigations into the disappearance, the suspect’s mother, Theresa Konomanyi, arrived at the police station around 3 a.m. the following day carrying the lifeless body of the child, which was later identified as the missing girl.
Police investigations revealed that Konomanyi had been alerted by neighbours that her son had fled after the child’s body was discovered in his bedroom. Upon entering the room, she found the girl in a helpless state and immediately took her to the Koidu Government Hospital, where doctors confirmed her death. She was then advised to report the matter to the police.
Both the suspect and his mother are currently in police custody assisting with investigations. Meanwhile, the remains of the deceased are at the Koidu Government Hospital mortuary awaiting a postmortem examination.
The incident sparked outrage among residents, particularly women, who staged a protest in Koidu City on Wednesday, March 3, 2026, demanding justice. At the Tankoro Police Divisional Headquarters, Local Unit Commander Dr. Njuima assured the protesters that the police would conduct a thorough and professional investigation, emphasizing that protecting children is a shared responsibility.