By Kadijatu Bangura, Daily Scope Reporter
Makeni, August 8, 2025 — The Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey, visited the Benevolent Islamic Secondary School following a devastating fire that occurred on August 7, 2025, resulting in significant damage to the institution.
The fire destroyed six classrooms, the principal’s office, and the examinations office, prompting urgent assessments from key stakeholders. Minister Sackey was joined by Deputy Minister-1, Emily Kadiatu Gogra, and other officials during his visit, where they engaged with local leaders, including Dr. Mohamed Mark Baba Sesay, Chairman of the Bombali District Council, and Regent Chief Foday Conteh.
Principal Abdul Salam Conteh addressed circulating rumors on social media regarding the cause of the fire, confirming that school authorities do not believe it was caused by disgruntled students. He emphasized that the recent issuance of exam results was conducted smoothly, underscoring the school’s commitment to transparency. Conteh acknowledged ongoing land encroachment issues but refrained from speculating on the fire’s origin, urging patience as investigations progress.
“We were unable to salvage any items. The cost of damage is currently unquantifiable, but it includes vital documents such as past pupils’ academic results and land certificates, along with seven computers, two laptops, five desktops, and several printers,” Conteh reported.
Minister Sackey urged the school administration to compile a detailed damage report and develop a budget for recovery efforts. “Understanding the full extent of the damage is crucial for effective planning,” he stated.
Abubakarr Conteh, president of the Benevolent Old Students Association, announced initiatives to secure alternative learning spaces for students and the establishment of a committee to investigate the incident, emphasizing the need for swift action ahead of the upcoming school year.
Philip Kanu, chairman of the school board, called for immediate assistance from the minister and other stakeholders. He stressed the importance of allowing thorough investigations to determine the fire’s cause, saying, “Let’s permit the right authorities to conduct a fact-based investigation.”
CSP Abu Bakaar Magona, Local Unit Commander for the Sierra Leone Police in Makeni, assured the community of a comprehensive and fair investigation, revealing that individuals have already submitted police reports. Further updates will be provided as the investigation unfolds.
The structure, originally built in 1977 with funds raised by women traders, is currently undergoing nearby construction. Authorities confirmed that the fire was not related to electrical issues and expressed gratitude to the Fire Force for their prompt response.
For more information, contact Daily Scope Newspaper at dailyscopemedia@gmail.com.
