A tragic incident has struck the RTI Section of Kenema City, as a 7-year-old boy, identified as Ibrahim Kamara, drowned in a stream that serves as the boundary between the RTI and Bruma 4 sections.

The incident occurred around 5 p.m. on Tuesday, August 20, 2024.

According to the boy’s mother, Madam Kumba Kamara, Ibrahim had left their home to visit a friend nearby, with whom he often played. Barely 15 minutes later, had she received the devastating news that her son had drowned in the stream. Efforts are currently underway by the family and local residents to recover his body.

The matter has been reported to the Kenema Police Headquarters, and an investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances that led to the young boy’s death. The police have assured the public that all findings will be shared as soon as they become available.

This incident has reignited longstanding grievances among the residents of the RTI and Bruma 4 sections. Community members have repeatedly urged the Kenema City Council, the mayor, councilors, and other city stakeholders to construct a culvert or bridge over the stream to facilitate safer passage for pedestrians. However, their appeals have largely been ignored, drawing widespread criticism from the public.