In a shocking turn of events in Lawana Kargboro Chiefdom, Moyamba District, an Imam was brutally beaten almost to death, and houses were vandalized by a group of alleged youths claiming association with the Poro Society.

The incident unfolded when these individuals, alarmed by the Poro Society’s potential emergence on Luma day, disrupted market activities and community life, affecting both economic and school affairs.

Following the disruption, the Imam, during a mosque sermon the next day, condemned the actions of the Poro Society men, emphasizing the need for organized and traditional procedures. Despite being part of the society himself, his religious beliefs prevented his participation.

According to police investigations, around 2:00 am, a group of young men from Yondu, located 5 miles away from Lawana, attacked the Imam, abducted him, and brutally beat his elder brother who attempted to intervene. Women and children were also subjected to violence, with the assailants looting valuables and vandalizing the Imam’s house and his late father’s compound.

After an intense ordeal in the bush, the victims, including the Imam, were eventually rescued and rushed to the Moyamba Government Hospital for medical attention. The Moyamba Police Division swiftly responded, arresting 18 individuals on various charges, including wounding and malicious damage to property.

In a disturbing turn of events, after these initial arrests, another group of men reportedly targeted the village of Kigbal. Allegedly, they destroyed four houses and assaulted a woman, tearing her clothes. The victim has since reported the matter to the Moyamba police station, with some of the key perpetrators still evading capture.