October 25, 2016 By Mohamed Massaquoi from Kenema
Residents in the eastern town of Kenema have lived in perpetual fear for the past fortnight as a result of continuous harassment by alleged armed robbers.
In some sections of Kenema, residents are in perpetual fear that they could be attacked by robbers who might cater away their property, thus forcing residents, especially those at the extreme end of the township, to go to bed at 8pm even though the police have not imposed a night curfew.
Usman Saffa, a commercial motorbike rider in the township, told Concord Times that all entertainment centres in Kenema now close before 10 p.m., and that they are extremely careful at night as the criminals do not only target residential homes, but also commercial bike riders.
He noted that police should investigate those who are behind such menace in the township, adding that they have reliably been informed that thieves have traveled from various parts of the country to Kenema to intimidate innocent people.
Head of Police Media Unit in Kenema, Brima James Musa, told Concord Times that they were working with the Police Partnership Board and other community members to reduce crime in communities, adding that it was a concern to them that thieves have been constantly distressing the people.
He revealed that one Mohamed Nallo from Gboni Street in Kenema was arrested and brought to the police for questioning after he attempted to rob some ladies at the Sembeck Section of the township.
“The women were seriously attacked but with the aid of community members, Nallo was arrested and brought to the police station. He was rushed to the Kenema government hospital where he later died. It is no secret that these criminals have intensified their actions but the police are on top of situation. That is the reason we are working with the community vigilantes to help us clampdown on criminal activities,” he said.
Also, the Kissy Town community youth leader, Nathaniel Tengbeh, told Concord Times that they arrested another thief last Saturday and handed him over to the police for investigation.
He said they were doing their utmost best to protect their community from the marauding clique members and thieves, adding that they were provided with logistics from the police and that they wouldn’t seat by and allow thieves continue to terrorise their communities.
“I want to thank AIG Karrow Kamara for continuously working with us to maintain peace and stability in the township of Kenema,” he said.