A female student from Fourah Bay College (FBC), University of Sierra Leone, has issued a cautionary message to citizens regarding the increasing incidents of theft on public transportation, particularly involving motorbikes (okadas) and tricycles (kekes).
She urged everyone to exercise heightened vigilance, especially when using these modes of transport, as thieves are frequently snatching bags and phones from unsuspecting passengers.
This warning comes in the wake of the tragic death of Alusine Joseph Mansaray, a journalist and former FBC student. Mansaray died in an accident when thieves attempted to snatch his phone and belongings while he was inside a keke. The incident has highlighted the growing security concerns surrounding public transportation in Freetown.
Sharing her own harrowing experience, the student recounted an incident on Saturday, July 27th, 2024. She and her friend were en route to classes, traveling from FBC to Model Junction on a motorbike. Suddenly, another bike rider approached them aggressively and attempted to snatch her bag. The confrontation nearly caused a serious accident on the hillside near FBC.
In light of these events, the student is urging all citizens to be extremely cautious. She emphasized the importance of avoiding the use of phones and other valuables while on moving bikes or inside kekes to prevent such dangerous encounters. Her plea is a stark reminder of the need for personal safety and vigilance in the face of rising street crime in Freetown.
Authorities are being called upon to enhance security measures and provide better protection for commuters to prevent further tragedies. In the meantime, the public is advised to stay alert and take necessary precautions to safeguard their belongings while traveling.
Watch Video Below:
For sure, it has been happening to me one time, am a Kekeh riders ,most of the bike riders in the night thieves