The usually calm Juba Hill community has become the center of growing tension following allegations that Lor Restaurant, owned by businessman Shalima, has illegally occupied land belonging to the Services Secondary School. What began as whispers among teachers and residents has now erupted into a full-blown controversy, sparking outrage and widespread calls for justice.
According to reports, part of the land originally allocated for student recreation and future school expansion has been fenced off and allegedly taken over by Lor Restaurant. Locals claim the encroachment occurred gradually over several months, and that the issue has now drawn the attention of community leaders, parents, and Old Boys of the institution.
A large-scale demonstration is reportedly being organized by concerned citizens and student bodies, demanding that the government and relevant authorities step in immediately.
Placards bearing slogans such as “Education before Business” and “Return Our School Land!” are already being prepared for what protest organizers promise will be a peaceful but massive march.
“We are not against development,” said one of the organizers, “but when private interest start swallowing public school property, we must stand up. Our children’s future must not be traded for profit.”
Meanwhile, Shalima who has faced similar allegations in previous land disputes insists that the restaurant’s expansion is legitimate. “I have all the documents to prove ownership,” he told local reporters. “This is just another attempt to tarnish my reputation. Why always Shalima?,” he rhetorically asked.
His rhetorical question has quickly become a trending phrase on social media, as public opinion remains sharply divided. Some view him as an ambitious entrepreneur unfairly targeted, while others see him as a symbol of unchecked influence and privilege.
As investigations continue, the outcome of this dispute could set a major precedent for how land ownership and public property rights are managed in Freetown. But one thing is clear, tensions are rising near Lor Restaurant, and the battle for the Services School land is far from over.
