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A 19-year-old man, Victor Musa of Yongao Avenue Dauda Town, Kenema, has been arrested for allegedly attempting to traffic a 6-year-old boy, reigniting serious concerns over the rise of human trafficking in Sierra Leone’s Eastern Region.
According to a publication by the Hope Times Newspaper, Musa was caught by the Sierra Leone Police while trying to transport young Almamy Joseph Musa, an Islamic Primary School pupil, out of Kenema without the knowledge or consent of his parents. The child, originally from a nearby village in Nongowa Chiefdom, had been lured under false pretences and was found visibly distressed at the time of rescue.
The Local Unit Commander (LUC) confirmed the arrest during a press briefing, stating that the case is being treated with the utmost seriousness.
“Child trafficking is not just illegal—it’s morally repugnant and destructive to our communities,” he said, adding that the suspect is cooperating with investigators as they explore possible links to a wider trafficking network.
The incident has shocked the Kenema community, especially parents, who are calling for stronger child protection and closer community vigilance.
“This is a wake-up call for all of us,” said Madam Isata Kallion, a concerned mother from Nyandeyama. “We must protect our children before it’s too late.”
Local media, and civil society organizations have stepped in with awareness campaigns, urging residents to report any suspicious activity involving children.
The suspect is currently in custody and will be charged under Sierra Leone’s Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Rights Acts. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison. Meanwhile, the rescued child has been reunited with his family and is receiving medical and psychological support.
The case has intensified calls for improved child welfare services, stronger enforcement of anti-trafficking laws, and sustained public education, especially in rural communities where traffickers often strike.
