The United States and the United Kingdom embassies in Sierra Leone have condemned the killing of an Assistant Police Superintendent, ASP Mathew Moiwah Gbanya alias “Boyka” in Makeni.

Gbanya was reportedly shot dead by an unknown assailant on Saturday night and his death was confirmed by North-East Police Spokesman, Sgt John Abass.

His death has since attracted reactions from various civil and non-civil societies including the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Former Minister, Sylvia Blyden, ACC Commissioner, Francis Ben Kaifala, among others.

In a separate statement on Monday, both embassies condemned the act while calling for sustained peace in Sierra Leone.

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“As Easter Monday comes to a close, our thoughts are with family, friends and colleagues of ASP Mathew Moiwah Gbanya.”, the UK Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Lisa Chesney wrote in a Tweet adding that “Taking a life is never justified. We welcome the @PoliceLeone investigation; the condemnation of this act across 🇸🇱; and the commitment to protect hard-won peace.”

In the same vein, the US Ambassador to Sierra Leone, David Reimer said He is “Distressed and saddened by the weekend killing of ASP Mathew Gbanya. We strongly condemn violence in every instance. Our condolences go out to the family, friends and colleagues of ASP Gbanya.”

Until his death, Gbanya was the OSD Regional Coordinator in the North. He was well known in Makeni and its environs for his strong physical appearance and firmness in executing raids, quelling standoff and ensuring law and order is maintained.

31 suspects have since been arrested by the Sierra Leone Police in connection to the incident.