Alhaji Balansama Mansaray Escapes Death At Hands Of Security Forces

According to sources in the northern town of Fadugu, Koinadugu District, one

Alhaji Balansama Mansaray, narrowly escaped death at the hands of security forces, who were also accompanied by ruling party youths, but lost his mother,  Aminata Marah, who was shot on 10th August 2022, at her residence by the security forces, and died from the gunshot wounds on 19th August 2022.

Our source disclosed that during the nationwide riot that took place on the 10th August 2022, armed security forces, accompanied by ruling party youths, stormed the residences of known opposition party members in the township, shooting indiscriminately at their houses, beating occupants and killing popular opposition party operatives, especially during the curfew that was declared by the government at 3:00pm on that fateful day, a replica of what was taking place in Freetown.

It was further disclosed by family members of Alhaji Balansama Mansaray, and corroborated by residents in the area that the armed security officers and ruling party youths stormed the residence of Alhaji Balansama Mansaray, looking for his mother, Madam Aminata Marah, who was the District Chairlady of Koinadugu District, a stronghold of the main opposition party (APC), shooting her and beating the other occupants, mercilessly. Alhaji Balansama Mansaray is said to have escaped after being mercilessly beaten and left for dead. It was disclosed that abandoned and feared dead by the security forces, Alhaji managed to creep out of the house via the backdoor, and was rescued by a young man next door, who was also looking for a place to hide.

Residents in the area say that the security forces fired at any moving creature in the area, threatening anyone who dares to go against the government. The situation was exacerbated by the allegations by the President that the main opposition party was behind the violent protests across the country and described the protesters as terrorists.

This unfortunate ascribing of responsibility for the riot on the opposition party resulted in the targeting of known members and supporters of the party by both armed security forces and ruling party youths. The storming of their residences both in the capital and known strongholds of the opposition party, got momentum during the curfew that was declared, eyewitnesses explained.

Police sources contacted, confirmed that several people have been arrested in connection with the protest and confirmed that some 6 police officers were brutally killed by protesters and also some civilians were shot. They failed to take responsibility for the shootings, but that Investigations are on-going and they will get to the public when completed. They furthered that some suspects are on the run and the police are looking for them. They called on citizens to remain calm as things are under control.

However, as we go to press, family members of Alhaji Balansama Mansaray say that his whereabouts are unknown, and even feared dead. Family members of Victims killed by gunshots were prevented by armed security forces from accessing the central mortuary to identify their loved ones.