October 26, 2021
By Ilyasa Baa
Cannibalism otherwise referred to as “Kech am Kech am” in our local parlance has been a big issue in Koya Chiefdom where residents have expressed fear for their children especially school going pupils.
The villagers, including Mammy Fudia in Crossing village and Pa Ibrahim Turay in Masorie village informed A-Z newspaper that residents are in panic hearing rumours of cannibalism. They pointed out that their bushy terrain
could be ideal for those pepetruating the act of cannibalism.
According to residents of the New Resettlement Community in Crossing (Mile 6), some parents and guardians decide to take their children home after school because of the rumour of cannibalism spreading like wild fire across the 18 villages in Koya, Port Loko District.
The Chairlady of the New Resettlement Community, Anita George said women are afraid since they have to leave their homes to go to market all the way to Waterloo. She expressed the need for a community market so that they can stay around and be watchmen of the community.
The Chairman, New Resettlement Community, Abu Bakarr Kamara aka Game Change confirmed that the cannibalism rumour has made them put some measures which include not allowing children out of their apartments after 7pm. ” They should be holding their books”, the Ex-soldier sounded, adding that they will set the brightest example if they catch anyone in the act.
Police Spokesman for the Waterloo Police Station which covers host of the villages in the Western Rural and the north west region, Inspector Mohamed Kargbo has told this medium that the rumour of cannibalism has not been substantiated with evidence for the past three years. He said when he was serving as Officer in Charge of the Crossing Police Post, few years back, the rumour that people used the area to dismember people’s parts was widespread but lacked supporting evidence. “That notwithstanding, we have been engaging residents to help the police with relevant information”, said Inspector Kargbo.
Residents of the 18 villages, including Mudslide New Resettlement Community. Crossing, Jama Town, Mabala, Kono Town, Kongebu, Garahun,Songo Loko, Maponponi, Masorie, Masaloh, Robonka and so on have theightened their belts to secure their children no matter what it takes.