By: Problyn J. Alpha
The body of a man identified as Yusuf Boima, formerly of Tankoro Chiefdom in Kono District, is currently at the mortuary of Koidu Government Hospital awaiting post-mortem examination and further investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
According to reports, the incident occurred on the evening of Monday, March 16, 2026, at the former Koidu Limited Mining Company concession in Tankoro Chiefdom, Koidu City. The deceased was allegedly shot in the neck by a police officer believed to have been recently transferred to the Tankoro Police Divisional Headquarters and attached to the mining concession area.
The circumstances leading to the shooting remain unclear. Following the incident, the police officer reportedly fled the scene and remains at large. Witnesses stated that before escaping, the officer abandoned his firearm, which was later retrieved by civilians who attempted to apprehend him. The same individuals subsequently transported both the body of the deceased and the abandoned weapon to the Tankoro Police Station, where they were handed over to officers on duty.
Sources at the Koidu Government Hospital mortuary indicated that since the body was deposited on the night of March 16, no family member has come forward to formally identify the deceased.
When contacted, the Media Officer of the Tankoro Police Division, Komba Sourie, said it was premature to provide detailed information about the incident. He stated that the identity of the police officer involved is not yet confirmed, noting that many officers are deployed at the mining concession, making immediate identification difficult. He assured the public that accurate information would be provided as investigations progress.
It is worth noting that since the onset of disputes between former employers and employees of the mining company, at least four civilians have reportedly died under similar circumstances. Residents of Koidu have expressed growing concern and are calling for justice in these cases.