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Residents of Bumpeh Town in Ngao Chiefdom, Bo District, are reportedly calling for justice following a series of fire incidents that destroyed homes and businesses, leaving dozens of people homeless and properties worth millions of Leones damaged.
The incidents, which occurred on May 3, 2026, have heightened tensions in the chiefdom and prompted appeals for government intervention to address the situation and ensure accountability.
Speaking to Politico, the Chairman of the Bo District Civil Society Organisation, Joseph Dominic Blackie, alleged that local youth groups were responsible for setting fire to two domestic stores and nine residential houses in the community.
According to Blackie, the destruction has left many affected families without shelter, food, and personal belongings.
“Due to this war-like incidents dozens of citizens are now homeless and in dire need of basic food and shelter,” he stated.
Blackie described the incidents as a serious breakdown of law and order and claimed that the attacks were not spontaneous. He alleged that the acts were part of a coordinated operation that was financed and encouraged by influential stakeholders within the chiefdom.
He also rejected claims linking the fires to a traditional male initiation ceremony reportedly taking place in the area. According to him, investigations conducted by civil society groups found no evidence that any traditional practice was underway at the time of the incidents.
“Our investigations have proven that no traditional practice was ongoing,” Blackie said, adding that the male society leader in Bumpeh Town had also denied that such activities were taking place.
Blackie further stated that police officers attached to the Bo West Division responded to the incidents and reportedly arrested several suspects. However, he alleged that those arrested were later released without conditions.
He claimed that the suspects were released “on orders from above,” a development he said has angered victims and residents who are seeking a fair and transparent investigation into the matter.
In response to the situation, Blackie said he had written an open letter to President Julius Maada Bio, urging him to direct the Inspector-General of Police to reopen investigations into the incidents, re-arrest suspects, and investigate individuals alleged to have sponsored the violence.
He also appealed to the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to affected families who have been left vulnerable by the destruction.
“The people of Bumpeh Town look to your leadership to restore justice and enforce the rule of law,” part of Blackie’s letter to the President stated.
According to Blackie, a swift and transparent response from the authorities is necessary to restore calm in the community and prevent similar incidents from occurring elsewhere in the country.
As concerns continue to grow among residents, many people in the affected community have reportedly expressed fears for their safety, with tensions remaining high in the area.
At the time of publication, the Sierra Leone Police had not issued an official response to the allegations raised by Blackie. Politico reported that it contacted the Police Media Officer for the Southern Region for comment. The officer reportedly promised to respond but had not done so by the time the story went to press.
Meanwhile, affected residents continue to await both humanitarian assistance and the outcome of any further investigations into the fire incidents that have left many families displaced and seeking justice.
