“The Bullet Went Through My Hand and Is Still in My Ribs” – August 10 Victim Cries for Help

Bai Kamara, a resident of Makeni City, has his recent heartfelt video, pleaded for urgent help after sustaining life-altering injuries, during the August 10 protests in Freetown.

Kamara, in his sincere plea, stated that he encountered the unfortunate incident during his visit to Freetown. “After I had completed my West Africa Senior School Examination, I went to Freetown to seek a brighter future through employment,” he explained, asserting that, instead, he now faces an uphill battle for survival.

Kamara recalled, “My decision to relocate to Freetown was to search for a job and build a better future, so as to avoid falling into a bad lifestyle.” On the morning of August 10, he recounted that he was at his workplace, Shakadas Factory, when the situation began to escalate, stating that around 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., the factory’s Indian workers advised them to go home due to the unfolding chaos.

As he left work and was en route to Ferry Junction, tragedy struck. “I was shot, and the bullet went through my hand and lodged in my ribs where it still remains,” he explained. Kamara explained that he was quickly taken to Satellite Hospital, where he spent the night, adding that he was subsequently transferred to the government hospital, where he spent two months without receiving adequate medical care.

After his discharge, Kamara affirmed that he returned to his brother’s home in Freetown. However, despite a month of care, his condition showed little improvement. Desperate for better treatment, he said he made the difficult decision to return to Makeni in search of alternative medical assistance.

“Since then, I have been bedridden for over two years,” he shared, expressing the emotional weight of his situation. “This August 10 will mark three years since my life changed. I have received no help.” His voice trembled as he pleaded for assistance from organizations and kind-hearted individuals, stating, “Please help me; I am tired of living like this.”

Kamara emphasized that he had no involvement in the protests. “I only went to work hoping to earn a living, but unfortunately got struck by a bullet that left me in this condition.” His mobility severely compromised, he can neither stand nor walk. He explained that the primary source of support has been his mother, whom he said has been caring for him throughout his challenging period.

“I am pleading with you all to help me overcome this dying situation,” Kamara concluded, his words resonating with a poignant sense of urgency.