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A cross section of the Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone (IRC-SL) has paid a courtesy visit to the Inspector General of Police, Dr. Ambrose Michael Sovula and his management team at his George Street office in Freetown on Tuesday December 21, 2021.
Explaining the purpose of the visit, the Chairman/President of IRC-SL, His Grace the Archbishop Edward Tamba Charles stated that the Council during its last Executive Committee meeting raised concern about rumors of an increase in cases of alleged kidnappings in the country followed by demands for the payment of ransoms.
He noted that ‘as people dealing with the grassroots, it would be wise to discuss the issue with the Police with the view to exploring ways the two institutions could mutually work together to address or reverse the trend’. He called for the formation of a joint working Committee to address issues of national interest and to share experiences and ideas that could be mutually beneficial to the two institutions.
Responding, the IGP said that he was honored by the visit of IRC-SL and hastened to debunk rumors of kidnappings in Sierra Leone and described same as false and unsubstantiated; noting that these are deliberate and calculated ploy orchestrated by some ill-motivated individuals with the sole intent to extort monies from their families either living in-country or overseas. He furthered that the country’s crime situation has not degenerated to that level as is understood to be in other West African countries; adding that these acts are aimed at undermining the security of the State for which the Police will continue to appropriately address.
Dr. Sovula however warned that anyone caught engaging in such dishonest and deceptive scheme with the motive of painting a bleak picture of the country, instilling fear on the unsuspecting public, and thereby reducing investors’ confidence in the country, will be arrested and prosecuted.
In concluding, IGP Sovula appreciated the visit of the high-level religious personalities and used the occasion to call on the general public to be law abiding and to always lend their support and cooperation to the Police in the fight against crime in society.
Other issues raised by IRC-SL, discussed and addressed by the IGP were the increased lawlessness on the road and the risk associated with the open and unprotected sale of petrol in crowded areas. It was seen as a recipe for future disaster.
The meeting closed with the formation of a joint committee tasked with the responsibility to address emerging issues of mutual interest and benefits to both the SLP and IRC-SL.
