Ibrahim Bangura Declared Wanted

Ibrahim Bangura, the son of the late Councillor John Ahmed Bangura who was killed during the August 10 protest, has been declared wanted by the Sierra Leone Police. Bangura, a resident of 7 John Street, Lumpa, Waterloo, in the Western Rural District, was declared wanted by the police on allegations of playing a key role ahead of the August 8, 9, and 10 Protest. The protest in question was used to express frustration against the rising cost of goods and services, a situation that led to the destruction of lives and properties. Bangura, according to police sources, is a member of the PPP, a group used to spearhead the protest.

It is worth noting that the Bio government has expressed concern about a man called Adebayor being responsible for inciting young people, a statement dismissed by the young people who believe that Adebayor is a true democrat and civil rights activist. They consider him the voice of truth and have given him the nickname “the King of Sierra Leone.” Adebayor lives in the Netherlands and is widely known for releasing audio exposing the rampant corruption of the current government. Some argue that the civil rights activist has been biased and even criticized the previous APC Government of President Koroma. Adebayor’s crusade has gained prominence to the extent that the majority of the masses believe in what he says, creating serious problems for the ruling government.

Ibrahim Bangura, according to police investigations, is declared wanted because his house was allegedly used to print T-Shirts and other publication materials ahead of the August 10 Protest. On August 8 and 9, 2022, there was a sit-down strike where government workers refused to go to work. Commercial vehicles, shops, and other businesses remained closed for those two days. On August 10, the protests continued following a recent government announcement of a 70% increase in the pump price of fuel. This announcement did not sit well with the majority, as they believe that a fuel price increase would lead to higher prices for other commodities. There was widespread condemnation by the masses. Bangura’s father, Councillor John Ahmed Bangura of the APC, was killed in Waterloo by security forces. He was known to be a member of the Opposition APC. His family was targeted, and his house was burnt down by party loyalists to the ruling SLPP Government. When news of his son’s involvement in the August 10 protest reached members of the SLPP in Waterloo, his house was targeted. His photos were posted in various locations with words like “Ibrahim Bangura wanted dead or alive, Ibrahim Bangura should be killed just like his father, Ibrahim Bangura is an operative of Adebayor.” The police decided to launch an operation to arrest, detain, and charge anyone alleged to be part of the August 10 protest.

At the time of raiding Ibrahim Bangura’s residence, he was not there, which is why the police declared him wanted. Times SL correspondent in Waterloo was also assaulted, and his camera, phone, and other gadgets were taken by the police as he was filming the event. Ibrahim Bangura or anyone from his family could not be reached to confirm if the young man is alive. His whereabouts up to the time of going to press remained unknown.