Five Houses Burnt Down After Paramount Chief’s Burial in Pendembu, Relative Alleges
Alex Fefegula Harding Pius, a relative of the late Paramount Chief Cyril Foray Gondor II, has alleged that family members faced threats and five houses were burned following the chief’s burial in Pendembu, Kailahun District.
Speaking in an interview with Ecko Media, Pius said tensions escalated after the burial, alleging that the late chief’s body was removed from the grave without the family’s consent.
He said the family had participated in several meetings with local authorities and community representatives to agree on the burial arrangements. According to Pius, the parties agreed that the body would be received from Freetown and that traditional leaders would oversee the funeral proceedings.
Pius said he arrived in the area on the morning of the burial and was informed that the ceremony had already taken place. He said he accepted the arrangements, visited the grave to pay his respects and later went to a local radio station.
However, he alleged that tensions intensified later that night after he received information about developments at the burial site. He said he subsequently encountered people who described the incident as an attempt to disgrace the late chief.
Pius further alleged that several family members, including his brothers and cousins, received threats and were forced to flee for their safety. He claimed that the individuals involved targeted them because of their relationship with the late chief.
He also alleged that five houses were burned during the disturbances, four of which he said belonged to his family. The number of houses affected and their ownership could not be independently verified.
Pius suggested that some individuals involved in the incident might have received backing from influential people. However, he did not provide independently verified evidence linking any specific government official or traditional leader to the alleged acts.
Pius Says Authorities Pledge Accountability
Pius said authorities, traditional leaders and security officials had condemned the incident and pledged to ensure that those responsible were held accountable.
He argued that anyone found responsible should face the law, regardless of their position in government or traditional leadership.