A viral video on Facebook has sparked concern among residents in Freetown about the rising openings of graves and the poor security at the Kissy Road Cemetery. This is not the first time a video has shown graves being opened at this cemetery.

According to Abu Bakarr, his mother, who was buried three days ago, had been exposed, despite the family paying over 14,000 Leones for the grave. Sources indicate that these disturbing acts are occurring at night, leaving open burial spots and creating fear in the community.

The Kissy Road Cemetery has seen an increase in theft and tampering, particularly with graves built in concrete structures. A couple of weeks ago, similar incidents were reported at Wellington Palmer Street Village Cemetery. Reports indicate that youths involved in kush have begun digging into cemented graves to steal coffins and iron rods.

Residents express that the cemetery is no longer safe, with even the resting places of the dead being disturbed. The lack of security presence has led to these incidents becoming alarmingly frequent. Families who recently buried relatives have returned to find their graves broken and tampered with.

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The Freetown City Council (FCC) had previously addressed security concerns at the cemetery. On July 28, 2024, the FCC officially handed over project sites to contractors for the construction of perimeter fences at several locations, including the Kissy Road Cemetery.

During a ceremony presided over by FCC Chief Administrator Ram Tom Farmer, it was announced that the Kissy Road Cemetery would receive the largest upgrade, with a 304-meter perimeter block fence and gate, funded through the FCC’s own revenue. The stated aim of these projects was to enhance security and protect these vital community assets.

However, the recent wave of vandalism suggests that these security enhancements have either not yet been fully implemented, or are proving insufficient in deterring the increasing acts of desecration and theft.