Police in Rutile have arrested 13 people for disorderly behaviour with risks to disturb the peace and tranquility of the people in Lower Banta Chiefdom in Moyamba District.

The arrests were ordered by the Local Unit Commander (LUC), Superintendent O. S. Mansaray on Thursday, October 10 this year.

The Media Officer of Rutile Police, Amara Kallon said that the arrest were made after receiving a tip that some youth from Gbangbatoke Town were seen with protest T-shirt inscribed with “We want Peace and Justice, PC Russell Must Go”. The men were said to be on motorcycles heading to Moriba Town when police intercepted and arrested them.

The Media Officer said when the halted the men to know their intent, they said they want the police to release one of their colleagues held as suspect by the police. Kallon said the men used inciting words and threatened the peace of the community.

“All of them were arrested and placed in cell with the help of the military O/C Navy, Major Kamara and team from Gbangbatoke,” Kallon said.

It could be recalled that on Wednesday 9th October, 2024 as part of police investigation, one Alfred Anthony in the Chiefdom headquarter town of Gbangbatoke was apprehended and brought to the Rutile Police Division by the Operations Officer ASP Amara Lansana and team for questioning after report revealed to the LUC that the said man was wearing a printed T-shirt which was inciting and could bring unrest and panic in the Chiefdom.

The Moyamba Police Division and team headed by the LUC CSP Foday Osman Sesay successfully arrived at the scene in assistance. The 14 suspects have been transferred to the Regional Police Headquarter in Bo City for further investigation. Meanwhile, the Rutile Police Division assured the they are above situation as Lower Banta Chiefdom is currently calm and quiet.

The Paramount Chief of Lower Banta Chiefdom Moyamba District, John Jibao Russell Nyama ll was reinstated by the Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs on Thursday 15th February, 2024 in an event that took place at Gbangbatoke Town barray after several years in exile for allegations including misappropriation of Chiefdom funds and unlawful removal of sub-chiefs.

The Paramount chief has been ruling on recommendations given by the Local Government Ministry including retaining/reinstating all elected chiefs/subchiefs, announcement of vacant positions for election of Women’s and Youth Leaders in the Chiefdom, abolition of a nine or ten man committees, introduction of regular Chiefdom meetings, and effective and sufficient management of Chiefdom fund and resources.