Prominent Lawyer and Former President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association, Basita Michael, has condemned the shooting and killing of the OSD North-East Regional Commander, Mathew Moiwah Gbanya, aka Boyka, in Makeni.

She made this condemnation on her Social Media handles, describing the incident as a sad, unfortunate and heinous act that all peace-loving Sierra Leoneans must condemn.

Basita Michael showed disappointment on the fact that the sad incident took place during the Easter weekend and in the Holy month of Ramadan, which she described as two religious observances that promotes peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

This tragic event, she said, highlights the need for the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, as well as all other peace advocates, to redouble their efforts in the discharge of their duties and ensure that we sustain the peace in our country.

“We must always remember that violence can never be the answer. As Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Let us work together to promote peace and unity in Sierra Leone, and to break the cycle of violence and hate that will only lead to destruction for all.” She advised.

She urged the Police to impartially investigate the case and bring the perpetrator to justice.

The late OSD North-East Regional Commander Mathew Gbanya aka Boyka was reportedly slain by an unknown assailant in the evening of Saturday 8th April, 2023.

Many Sierra Leoneans have come out to condemn the killing and extend condolences to the families of the fallen officer.

On the part of the police, 31 suspects including 3 women and 28 men have been reportedly arrested in different locations of the crime city.

The incident reportedly affected the ongoing collection of voters’ ID cards in the city, as some centers in the epicenter did not open and those that did outside the surroundings of the crime scene had no one showing up.