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Ten suspected illegal miners have been detained following the discovery of the body of five-year-old Gbessay Kebbie, a pupil of Sierra Leone Muslim Brotherhood Primary School in Taininahun, Makemuma Kpanga Chiefdom, Pujehun District.
The child’s body was found in a nearby stream three days after she went missing during a traditional ceremony reportedly linked to the discovery of suspected diamonds in the area.
According to community stakeholders and police sources, there were no formal school activities on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, as residents had organised a local ritual connected to the reported presence of diamonds. Villagers said a group of suspected illegal miners had gathered to perform rites believed to help identify or extract the stones, with several children reportedly involved.
Gbessay Kebbie was reported missing later that afternoon, prompting a search by residents across the village and surrounding bush. Her body was discovered three days later in a stream.
Family members and community leaders alleged that the body showed signs of violence, prompting outrage within the community and swift intervention by chiefdom authorities.
The headmaster of the school, Fredrick Bockarie Bangura, expressed concern over the incident, stating that normal school activities had been suspended for the ceremony. He called for a thorough investigation and accountability for those responsible.
Inspector Frank Pessima, Crime Officer for the Pujehun Police Division, confirmed that police and medical personnel have visited the scene and that investigations are ongoing. He said ten individuals have been detained in connection with the incident, including nine suspected illegal miners and one local man assisting police with inquiries.
He added that forensic and medical examinations are underway to determine the cause of death and support further action.
Local authorities have appealed for calm as investigations continue.
