By Editor In-Chief
Reports reaching this medium indicate that Benjamin Abu Bakarr Kargbo, a Sierra Leonean national, was compelled to flee his homeland after allegedly facing persecution from members of the Poro Secret Society and political victimization following the August 10, 2022 protests in Sierra Leone. The circumstances surrounding his departure raise concerns regarding fundamental human rights, including freedom of assembly, freedom of expression, and protection from torture, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
According to information gathered from close sources, Kargbo’s ordeal began on October 9, 2021, when he traveled to his grandmother’s village in Mangey Loko for a holiday visit. During his stay, he reportedly witnessed a group of individuals entering the village, some dressed in white traditional attire while others carried sticks, rods, and machetes.
The situation escalated when members of the group allegedly accused him of assaulting one of them with a blade following a dispute involving a chicken belonging to his grandmother. Fearing retaliation and possible forced initiation into the Poro Secret Society, he fled into the bush in search of safety.
The following day, four men reportedly arrived in the village and requested a meeting with him through the village headman. Believing that the meeting was intended to resolve the misunderstanding peacefully, he agreed to accompany them. Instead, he was allegedly beaten and transported to a forest area believed to be a sacred bush used for Poro Society initiation ceremonies.
Upon arrival, he reportedly encountered more than 200 young boys, many appearing frightened, distressed, and vulnerable. There, he was allegedly tied up and subjected to severe physical abuse. As night fell, he managed to regain his freedom and, determined not to be initiated into the society because of his Islamic faith and family beliefs, escaped under the cover of darkness.
After returning to the village and recounting his experience to a trusted friend, he was strongly advised to leave the area immediately and relocate to Freetown. Sources indicate that following his escape, threats against his life circulated throughout the community, with accusations that he had disrespected and sabotaged the secret society.
A second incident that significantly influenced his decision to leave Sierra Leone occurred during the nationwide protests of August 10, 2022. Like many other citizens, he joined what began as a peaceful demonstration aimed at expressing public frustration over the rising cost of living, increasing food prices, fuel costs, and other economic hardships affecting ordinary Sierra Leoneans.
As tensions escalated between protesters and security forces, the situation reportedly turned violent. While attempting to return home, he was allegedly caught in a police operation involving the use of tear gas. Security officers reportedly arrested him, handcuffed him, and subjected him to severe beatings before transporting him, along with several other detainees, to a detention facility.
During his detention, reports indicate that detainees were repeatedly interrogated and physically abused. Security personnel allegedly demanded information about individuals believed to have organized the protests, including names, telephone numbers, and addresses. Despite maintaining that participation in the demonstration was voluntary, the alleged mistreatment continued.
The abuse reportedly resulted in serious injuries, including a broken front tooth, chest injuries, and bleeding from the mouth, nose, and ears. Threats of death were also allegedly made against detainees while in custody.
Sources further reveal that he remained imprisoned for approximately three months under harsh and distressing conditions. During that period, one detainee reportedly lost his life, while several others suffered severe psychological and emotional trauma.
An opportunity to escape reportedly arose after developing a level of trust with a prison officer. While being escorted outside the detention facility on an errand, he managed to flee when the officer became distracted. Seeking immediate refuge, he was assisted by a local businesswoman who provided temporary shelter, clothing, and support in reconnecting him with his family.
News of the escape quickly spread, prompting an alleged search operation by security personnel. Fearing rearrest and unwilling to return to his village because of the threats associated with the Poro Secret Society, he came to the conclusion that remaining in Sierra Leone posed a serious risk to his life and safety.
Today, concerns remain over the risks he claims to face if returned to Sierra Leone. These concerns stem from alleged threats linked to the Poro Secret Society, his escape from detention, and his participation in the August 2022 protests. It is these circumstances, according to sources familiar with the matter, that ultimately compelled him to seek safety and protection outside his country of origin as police and the Poro Secret Society look for me.
