By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In the wake of a series of brutal killings that have left the nation reeling, Sierra Leoneans are urgently calling on President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and the Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu, to ensure that justice is delivered swiftly and decisively. With citizens growing increasingly concerned about their safety, the recent spate of murders has shaken the country’s sense of security and confidence in the rule of law.
President Bio, in his address following the August 10 violence, made a firm commitment to Sierra Leoneans that “the full force of the law will be brought to bear on all those persons who attacked and killed police officers. They, their sponsors and their collaborators will not go unpunished.” He assured the public that no stone would be left unturned in pursuing justice for both the security forces and ordinary citizens whose lives were lost during the unrest. Yet, as more gruesome murders come to light, the public’s demand for action is intensifying.
The brutal killing of 80-year-old Lebanese businessman, Salim Alie Dayeck, in Kenema, is one such case that has shocked the nation. Found dead in his residence on Hangha Road on September 11, 2024, Salim Alie Dayeck’s body bore multiple stab wounds, a sign of the violent struggle he faced before succumbing to his injuries.
The Police, currently investigating, have taken 22-year-old Umaru Sama, a shop attendant employed by Salim Alie Dayeck, into custody. While the investigation continues, many in the community are demanding more transparency and urgency in resolving the case, fearing the crime may have ritualistic undertones, raising further alarm about the nature of violence in the region.
Compounding public outcry is the mysterious murder of Superintendent Adeyemi Coker, a seasoned Police Officer whose lifeless body was discovered near his home in Hastings, Western Rural District, on September 1st, 2024. Superintendent Adeyemi Coker, who had served the Sierra Leone Police for 35 years, was strangled to death after receiving a mysterious phone call late at night. Despite the shocking nature of his death, the investigation into his murder has been marked by frustrating delays. The Police have yet to reveal who made the call that lured Superintendent Adeyemi Coker from his home, raising serious concerns about their ability to resolve such high-profile cases quickly and efficiently.
The anguish over these murders is not limited to the victims’ families. The community has become increasingly vocal in its demand for swift action. Bishop A.I. Wilson of the Anglican Church, speaking at Superintendent Adeyemi Coker’s funeral on September 22nd, gave voice to this growing frustration, stating, “If a Police Officer could meet a death like this, what about us ordinary civilians?” His impassioned plea for justice resonated deeply with the gathered mourners, echoing nationwide concerns about public safety and the need for immediate intervention.
The Bishop’s question encapsulates the fear and uncertainty felt by many Sierra Leoneans. If seasoned officers like Superintendent Adeyemi Coker, with decades of service and experience, can be targeted, then ordinary citizens are left wondering about their own safety in the face of such brutal violence. The glaring absence of Police Officials at Superintendent Adeyemi Coker’s funeral, a man who had dedicated his life to the force, only added to the grief and dissatisfaction felt by those in attendance.
As the investigation into these and other cases drags on, many are left questioning where the country is heading. Sierra Leone, a nation that has seen significant strides in development and stability under the leadership of President Bio, now finds itself at a crossroads. The public is imploring the Government to act decisively to prevent these tragedies from becoming a norm.
For the families of victims like Salim Alie Dayeck and Superintendent Adeyemi Coker, the call for justice is personal and urgent. But it is also a call that extends far beyond individual cases. Sierra Leoneans are demanding accountability from their leaders and security forces to restore their confidence in the Government’s ability to protect its citizens.
President Bio and IG Fayia Sellu must now answer these calls by ensuring that all perpetrators, including those responsible for these horrific murders, are swiftly brought to justice. Citizens are looking for action, not just words. Sierra Leone cannot afford to let such crimes go unpunished, as this would only embolden criminals and further erode the peace that so many have worked tirelessly to build.
As the country mourns the loss of innocent lives, from businessmen to law enforcement officers, the time for decisive action is now. The people of Sierra Leone are watching, and they are counting on their leaders to deliver the justice they deserve.
