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A six-year-old boy, identified as Salia Sandi, has drowned in an open, isolated well in the Lekpetieh Section of Kenema, prompting police to launch a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
The incident occurred on Friday, 11th September 2026, while Sandi was reportedly playing near the well with two other children of the same age.
According to PC 19106 Agatha Alice Nyagua, Police Media Officer and Gender Focal Person for the Kenema Police Division, one of the children immediately ran to alert a resident, who subsequently informed the boy’s caregiver.
Community members attempted to rescue the child, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
The Family Support Unit (FSU) has handled the case. However, due to the nature of the incident and questions surrounding the circumstances of the death, the case has since been transferred to the Regional Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for a comprehensive investigation.
Police confirmed that a postmortem examination has been conducted and that the child’s remains have been laid to rest. The official autopsy findings are still pending, and police said further investigative action will depend on the final medical report.
PC Nyagua assured the public that investigators are taking all necessary steps to establish the exact sequence of events leading to the child’s death. She said the findings will be made known once the investigation is concluded.
Following the tragedy, local authorities ordered the immediate closure and securing of the open well to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Police leadership has also appealed to parents, caregivers and community members to increase supervision of children around waterways, uncovered wells and other potentially hazardous infrastructure.
PC Nyagua further urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report potential safety hazards or suspicious situations to the police.