By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
The Assistant Superintendent of Police, Mathew Miowa Gbanya, who was allegedly killed by unknown assassins on Sunday 8th April, 2023 in Makeni, has been sadly laid to rest on Thursday 20th April, 2023 at the Police Training School, Hastings.
The funeral service of the popular OSD police officer well known as ‘Boika’ was honoured by His Excellency the President, Julius Maada Bio and First Lady Fatima Bio, IG Sellu, ACC boss Ben Kaifala, squads of police officers and a great number of other dignitaries.
Grievingly addressing mourners, police officers and family members after signing the book of condolence, His Excellency the President Julius Maada Bio recalled that after they had in less than eight months buried six police officers, they were there again to give farewell to another who he said also died in the line duty. “Mathew Miowa Gbanya was simply doing his duty when he was targeted by cowards who could not face him like men but shot him to death,” he said.
President Bio described late Mathew as one of the gallant police officers whom he personally knew and had worked with.
He expressed regret over his early demise but said he died honourably, fighting to keep his nation safe. H.E Bio acknowledged that policing a nation remained one of the most difficult jobs and that they could not pay the police officers for the sacrifices they made. He commended their good work, admonished them not to be cowards and implored them to continue working harder.
Consoling the family members, President Bio vouchsafed his heartfelt condolence to the wife in particular. He assured of supporting the family and seeking justice for the deceased. “And for you the police I would not live you to rest if you do not get to the bottom and find those responsible for the death of Gbanya. All of you should take this as a duty,” he emphasized. President Bio continued to implore the general populace to be good citizens and to report any information leading to the death of Mathew to the police.
The Inspector General of police Fayia Sellu expressed that the death of Gbanya was not only a loss to the family but to the force and the country as a whole. Having served for 19 years in the force, IG Sellu said, that was still not the best time to say goodbye to a fallen hero like him. He described ASP Gbanya as an embodiment of bravery and education in Sierra Leone who had outstanding record of performance. IG Sellu consoled the family and assured them that they would continue to visit as they had been doing so. To members of the force, the IG admonished that such killings should not deter them from fulfilling their duties, but should rebuild their effort and work together for a common goal.
Winston George Songo, a first cousin to the father who was giving the tributes of the late Mathew Moiwa Gbanya said that Mathew was burn on the 5th January, 1979 at Kissy, Winter Street from parents who were both late.
He said the late father of the deceased was named Mathew Moiwa Gbanya who was from Bo District and the late mother was Amie Gbanya from Moyamba District.
Songo said Mathew was a Mende and a Sierra Leonean by bath who had died left his three children, a boy and two girls. He said Mathew had three brothers and sisters. Songo expressed the good testimonies he heard about his late cousin in the execution of his duty and wished that he could regain strength to revenge his death. Songo disclosed that the life of the children and family of the late police officer were in threat and that he requested from the President to provide them with security. A leader and brother of Mathew Gbanya from the New Life in Christ Ministry church said Mathew was a wonderful brother and was also a founding member of the New Life in Christ Ministry Church. He said Mathew was a fulltime member who was so respectful and never let his contribution behind. The Pastor thanked God for Mathew’s soul which he described to be wonderful and prayed for him to have eternal peaceful rest.