By: Saidu Jalloh
Police in Rutile have arrested 13 individuals for disorderly behavior that threatened the peace and tranquility of Lower Banta Chiefdom in Moyamba District. The arrests were ordered by Local Unit Commander (LUC), Superintendent O. S. Mansaray, on October 10, 2024.
According to Rutile Police Media Officer Amara Kallon, the arrests followed a tip-off that some young men from Gbangbatoke Town were seen wearing protest T-shirts inscribed with the message, “We want Peace and Justice, PC Russell Must Go.” The group was reportedly on motorcycles heading to Moriba Town when police intercepted them.
Upon questioning, the arrested individuals stated that they intended to demand the release of a colleague who had been detained by the police. Kallon noted that the men used inciting language and threatened the community’s peace.
“All of them were arrested and placed in custody with the assistance of the military O/C Navy, Major Kamara, and a team from Gbangbatoke,” Kallon said.
This incident follows the arrest of one Alfred Anthony in Gbangbatoke on October 9, 2024, during a police investigation. Anthony was taken into custody by Operations Officer ASP Amara Lansana and his team after reports indicated that he was wearing a provocative T-shirt that could incite unrest in the chiefdom. The Moyamba Police Division, led by LUC CSP Foday Osman Sesay, responded to the situation.
The 14 suspects have been transferred to the Regional Police Headquarters in Bo City for further investigation. Meanwhile, the Rutile Police Division has assured the public that the situation is under control, with Lower Banta Chiefdom currently calm and quiet.
The unrest comes in the wake of the reinstatement of Paramount Chief John Jibao Russell Nyama II by the Government of Sierra Leone on February 15, 2024. The chief was reinstated after several years in exile due to allegations of misappropriation of chiefdom funds and the unlawful removal of sub-chiefs. His reinstatement was marked by an event in Gbangbatoke Town.
Since then, the Paramount Chief has been implementing recommendations from the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, which include retaining all elected chiefs and sub-chiefs, announcing vacant positions for the election of Women’s and Youth Leaders in the Chiefdom, abolishing the nine or ten-man committees, and promoting effective management of chiefdom funds and resources.
