Crime
Scores killed in Anti-government protest in Sierra Leone
Scores killed in Anti-government protest in Sierra Leone
By Bodunrin Kayode
Violent anti-government protests has erupted in some parts of the West African state of Sierra Leone leading to a high level of casualties.
The violence which started on Wednesday this reporter learnt was as a result of what some of the residents regard as very harsh policies of President Julius Mada-Bio who has been midwifing the nation since 2028.
Since the country came out of the covid 19 scourge which ravaged Freetown and all the provinces, they alleged that the government did not insert enough palliatives to enable young people get out of the economic crisis the scourge brought on them.
” As a matter of fact, it’s been one problem or the other since President Mada-Bio took charge as commander in Chief but he has been trying his best to insert stability onto the polity because he is in charge of the armed forces and not the chair of the police who were the main target of these demonstrators” said a source who wished to remain anonymous in the Sierra Leone High CommissionA it in Nigeria
Vice President Mohammed Jalloh confirmed in a nation wide broadcast today that there were gruesome casualties on both sides but was unable to be specific while announcing the curfew which started 3pm Freetown time yesterday.
Eye witnesses however told this reporter through phone that the anti-government protesters and police clash started mostly in the Eastern part of the capital and resulted in the death of at least two policemen who were
murdered by the opposition mob as at Wednesday evening.
” The rioters clashed with police in the streets of the East end of the capital due to tensions over the rising cost of living especially food and fuel. It was when the vice president who is the chair of the police gave the directive for the curfew to be effective that the tension heightened.
“But the West end area up to st John and beyond were mostly peaceful as most residents were seen gathered outside their homes discussing the unfolding development before the Government slammed the curfew starting from 3pm to stop the rioters who had started destroying Government properties worth millions of Leones including buses, cars and police stations in the provincial areas.
In his national broadcast on Wednesday, Vice President Mohamed Jalloh confirmed that lives have been lost on both sides of the fracas and that it was the business of Government to keep the peace of the state.
No comment was heard from President Julius Mada-Bio even as most of the protesters on Wednesday were calling for his resignation even before the anticipated general election in ten months time.
Incidentally, Mada Bio was elected President in 2018 and has about 10 months for his first term to end.
He however has already said that registration of new voters will commence on the 3rd of September so that the program for the next general elections can be rolled out accordingly.
Eye witnesses said that the demonstrators chanted “Bio must go” as they made their way from the hinterlands through the capital, Freetown.
The people of Sierra Leone have gone through a litany of lingering woes which includes a decade long war caused mostly by tribalism, outbreak of Ebola which engulfed the entire country resulting in very high casualties and the recent outbreak of corona which resulted in the death of hundreds in the war torn country still rising from the ruins of a civil war that ended in 2002.
Scores killed in Anti-government protest in Sierra Leone
Troops arrest two suspected terrorist collaborators in Pulka
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested two suspected collaborators of the Islamic State West Africa Province and Boko Haram in Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno.
Security sources said the suspects were apprehended at about 12:00 p.m. on March 30 by troops of 403 Amphibious Brigade in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
According to the sources, the suspects were intercepted while allegedly attempting to transport a woman to a suspected terrorist hideout around the Dumba general area.
“The suspects were arrested during a routine security operation, and preliminary findings suggest they were aiding terrorist activities,” the source said.
Items recovered from the suspects include two mobile phones, two power banks and other sundry materials.
The sources added that the suspects are currently in custody and undergoing further investigation.
Troops arrest two suspected terrorist collaborators in Pulka
Troops arrest two suspected IPOB/ESN members in anambra
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops under Operation UDO KA have arrested two suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, Eastern Security Network, during separate sting operations in Anambra State.
Security sources said the first arrest was carried out at about 1:00 p.m. on March 31 at Ihiala checkpoint by troops of Sector 5, working with a tracking team and aerial surveillance support.
According to the sources, the suspect, a native of Oraifite in Ekwusigo Local Government Area, was intercepted during the operation following intelligence reports.
Preliminary investigations allegedly revealed that the suspect served as a nurse responsible for providing medical attention to operatives in a suspected camp located in Umunze, Orumba South Local Government Area.
The sources said items recovered from the suspect include two mobile phones, a handbag containing drugs, jewellery and a phone charger.
In a related development, troops at Umunze checkpoint, also acting on intelligence, arrested another suspect identified as a native of Ogbunka in Orumba South LGA.
The sources said the second suspect allegedly confessed to being a member of the proscribed group during preliminary interrogation.
They added that both suspects are currently in custody and undergoing further investigation, while recovered items remain exhibits for further action.
Troops arrest two suspected IPOB/ESN members in anambra
Troops sustain offensive operations in Anambra
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops have continued offensive operations in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State as part of ongoing efforts to dislodge suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, Eastern Security Network.
Security sources said the operation, conducted by troops of 302 Artillery Regiment (General Support) and 14 Field Engineer Regiment, has been ongoing for three days in Ubaha community, Isseke area of Ihiala LGA.
According to the sources, the troops encountered improvised explosive device (IED) attacks during the operation but recorded no casualties.
The sources added that troops have continued to maintain blocking positions at identified crossing points within the general area believed to be used by the suspected armed group.
They said the operation is still ongoing as security forces intensify efforts to clear the area of criminal elements and restore normalcy.
Troops sustain offensive operations in Anambra
Troops arrest two suspected terrorist collaborators in Pulka
Troops rescue three abducted victims, recover ammunition in Borno
Troops repel terrorist attack in Yobe
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