By: Problyn J. Alpha
The Paramount Chief of Nimiyama Chiefdom in Kono District, PC George Bockarie Torto, has commended the leadership of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) for maintaining the Sewafeh Police Post under the jurisdiction of the Motema Police Division.
PC Torto made the commendation during an engagement with the Local Unit Commander (LUC) of the Motema Police Division, CSP Alimamy G. Sesay, and a cross-section of chiefdom authorities at his office.
Speaking on behalf of Nimiyama Chiefdom, PC Torto thanked CSP Sesay for what he described as his timely, professional and community-oriented intervention in addressing concerns surrounding the proposed transfer of the Sewafeh Police Post from the Motema Police Division to the Masingbi Police jurisdiction.
He also expressed appreciation to the Inspector General of Police, Mr. William Fayia Sellu, for his understanding and approval for the Sewafeh Police Post to remain under the Motema Police Division.
The Paramount Chief pledged the continued support and cooperation of the chiefdom towards the police, particularly in maintaining peace, public safety and effective community policing.
The Nimiyama Chiefdom Youth Chairman, Aiah Sewa; Councillor Mohamed Kebbie; Mr. Tamba Weinyema; Chief Alhaji Komba Tiafoe; and other stakeholders also commended the Motema Police Division for its swift intervention and efforts to resolve the matter through dialogue and peaceful engagement.
The engagement reaffirmed the commitment of the Sierra Leone Police and the people of Nimiyama Chiefdom to strengthening police-community relations, maintaining peace and enhancing public safety.
Earlier, CSP Alimamy G. Sesay explained that the engagement was convened to discuss matters concerning the jurisdiction and operational status of the Sewafeh Police Post, particularly concerns surrounding the proposed transfer of the post from the Motema Police Division to the Masingbi Police jurisdiction.
According to CSP Sesay, the proposed relocation generated significant concerns among youths, residents and other stakeholders in Sewafeh Town, Nimiyama Chiefdom. The concerns subsequently led to the unlawful closure of the police post and disruption of police operations.
He said that, following consultations with senior police authorities and relevant stakeholders, approval and confirmation were obtained for the Sewafeh Police Post to continue operating under the jurisdiction of the Motema Police Division.
CSP Sesay said the decision was approved by the Inspector General of Police, Mr. William Fayia Sellu, and that he had conveyed the confirmation to the Paramount Chief and other chiefdom stakeholders during the engagement.
The LUC emphasized the importance of maintaining peace, respecting lawful authority, upholding the rule of law and addressing community concerns through dialogue and peaceful engagement.
He further called for stronger partnership and collaboration among the police, traditional authorities, youths and the wider community to ensure effective policing, public safety and sustainable peace in Nimiyama Chiefdom.