Residents of Mayankay village in the Labemaygahun Chiefdom are planning a peaceful protest against Chiefdom Speaker Mr. Lamin Kargbo.
The protest, spearheaded by principal farmer Mr. Joseph Yankay Kargbo, will take place at the Rogbanah Police Station in Makeni to demand action regarding the delayed investigation into the killing of 53-year-old Mr. Mohamed Kargbo.
The controversy began in August when Mr. Mohamed Kargbo was accused of killing a goat owned by Speaker Kargbo, who is the brother of the Paramount Chief P/C Bai Yankay Kargbo II.
According to eyewitness accounts, after a search for the missing goat, its carcass was found in the bush. On the day of the incident, Mr. Mohamed Kargbo, while delivering food to his workers alongside Osman Kargbo, discovered the goat’s body.
Reports indicate that two men emerged from the bush, interrogated him, and subsequently beat him to death.
Following the incident, the speaker reportedly stated, “He who kills an animal without permission should equally be killed,” raising suspicions among residents regarding the legitimacy of the speaker’s actions.
Villagers promptly alerted the Rogbanah Police, leading to the arrest of three suspects in August.
However, since then, there has been no communication regarding the progress of the investigation, causing discontent among the community members.
In addition to the unresolved murder case, locals express frustration over what they perceive as the Speaker’s corrupt practices. Mr. Lamin Kargbo is accused of accepting bribes from cattle owners whose livestock have damaged crops worth millions of Leones.
This dissatisfaction is compounded by allegations that the Paramount Chief has improperly delegated powers to the speaker without the approval of the Chiefdom Committee.
Attempts to contact Communications Officer Mr. John Abass, facilitated by Investigation Officer ASP John G.K. Williams, have been unsuccessful. ASP Williams declined to provide information to the press, citing procedural conditions that must be met.
As tensions rise in Mayankay, residents are determined to make their voices heard, demanding justice for Mr. Mohamed Kargbo and accountability from their chiefdom leadership.