Information gathered by this newspaper alleges that the family residence of Dolcy Marie Abu-Mattia, located in Kulanda Town, Nduvuibu Section, Gbetima Village, Bo District in the Southern Province of Sierra Leone, was deliberately set ablaze by unidentified women amid escalating tensions linked to the powerful Bondo secret society.
According to close family sources who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, the alleged arson attack occurred after Dolcy fled into hiding following repeated death threats by persons believed to be associated with the Bondo society. Sources claimed that Dolcy was declared wanted after refusing to be initiated as the next “Head Sowei” and succeed her paternal grandmother, Marie Bangalie, a highly influential and respected figure within the society.
Family members disclosed that Dolcy had persistently resisted pressure to join the Bondo society and had openly opposed Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), which forms part of the society’s traditional initiation rites. Human rights organizations worldwide have repeatedly condemned FGM because of the severe physical and psychological consequences associated with the practice, including excessive bleeding, infections, permanent trauma, childbirth complications, and death in some cases. Despite international criticism and ongoing advocacy campaigns, FGM remains legal in Sierra Leone and continues to be practiced widely in several communities under the protection of traditional secret societies.
Relatives further alleged that members of Dolcy’s paternal family insisted she must inherit the “Head Sowei” position in keeping with longstanding family tradition and cultural expectations. Sources also revealed that both Dolcy and her daughter were expected to undergo initiation rites as part of the succession process. Her refusal reportedly triggered outrage within sections of the community, where some individuals allegedly viewed her actions as a direct rejection of family authority, cultural loyalty, and deeply rooted traditional customs tied to her paternal lineage.
According to relatives, threats against Dolcy intensified in November last year when unidentified individuals allegedly began repeatedly visiting the family residence demanding her whereabouts. Family members claimed the visitors warned that Dolcy would face severe consequences if she continued to refuse initiation into the Bondo society. Relatives alleged that the persistent threats against her life ultimately forced her to flee the community and remain in hiding for her safety.
Sources further alleged that tensions reached a dangerous climax on the eve of Sierra Leone’s Independence Day when a group of unidentified women reportedly stormed the Bangalie family residence demanding that Dolcy be handed over to them. Witnesses claimed that when relatives informed the group that her whereabouts were unknown, the confrontation quickly turned violent. During the chaos, one of the women allegedly shouted, “Burn the house down,” after which the residence was reportedly intentionally set on fire.
Residents described scenes of terror and panic as flames rapidly engulfed the property, forcing occupants and nearby residents to flee for their lives. The fire reportedly destroyed valuables and substantial sections of the family home, leaving relatives traumatized and displaced. Although no deaths have officially been reported, family members insist the attack has deepened fears for Dolcy’s life and the safety of those associated with her.
The matter has reportedly been formally reported to the police, and investigations are said to be ongoing. However, as of the time of publication, no arrests had been announced and authorities had yet to issue any official public statement regarding the incident.
Relatives maintain that the alleged arson attack, repeated death threats, and sustained pressure on Dolcy to undergo initiation into the Bondo society demonstrate the serious danger she could face if forced to return to the community.
