By Mohamed Kamara
Thousands of residents from Mayankay Village in the Labesaygahun Chiefdom, Karene District, are planning a peaceful protest at the Rogbanah Police Station in Makeni. The demonstration aims to address the delay in investigations surrounding the killing of 53-year-old Mr. Mohamed Kargbo, who was accused of killing a goat belonging to the Chiefdom Speaker, Mr. Lamin Kargbo, the brother of Paramount Chief Bai Yankay Kargbo II.
During the protest, led by master farmer Mr. Joseph Yankay Kargbo, community members expressed their frustration over the lack of progress in the investigation. Efforts to contact the communications officer, Mr. John Abass, were unsuccessful, as he refused to comment for procedural reasons.
Eyewitnesses reported that the goat owned by Mr. Lamin Kargbo went missing before being discovered dead in the bush. Upon finding the body, Mr. Mohamed Kargbo, accompanied by Osman Kargbo, ventured into the bush to trace a foul odor. Tragically, he was ambushed and beaten to death by two men emerging from the underbrush. After the incident, Mr. Lamin Kargbo was quoted as saying that anyone who kills an animal without permission should face the same fate, which raised suspicions among villagers.
The Rogbanah Police arrested three suspects in August, but community members claim they have received no updates on the case, leading to widespread dissatisfaction. Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding the authority of Paramount Chief Bai Yankay Kargbo II, who has delegated his functions to the Speaker, Mr. Lamin Kargbo, despite objections from the Chiefdom Committee. Accusations of bribery have also surfaced against the Speaker, alleging he accepted payments from cattle owners responsible for damaging crops.
