By Yusufu Abu Sesay
The Sierra Leone Police have declared a nationwide manhunt for Aminata Bah Bangura over an alleged attempt to expose the Bondo Society, following the death of her six-year-old daughter, Regina Bah, during an initiation process in Makoth Village, Gbanti Kamaranka Chiefdom, Bombali District, in the northeastern part of Sierra Leone.
According to information gathered, the incident occurred when Aminata Bah Bangura reportedly took her daughter to school in the morning before leaving on personal errands. In her absence, her aunt, Ya Sampa Kamara, who is said to be a sowei (traditional initiator), allegedly went to the school, collected the child, and forcefully subjected her to initiation into the Bondo Society without the consent or knowledge of the child’s mother.
Reports indicate that shortly after the initiation rites were completed, the child suffered severe complications, including excessive bleeding, allegedly resulting from female genital circumcision. Despite efforts by female medical practitioners to intervene and save her life, Regina Bah was pronounced dead.
Sources close to the family disclosed that Aminata Bah Bangura had consistently opposed the initiation and was reportedly under pressure from relatives to take over the sowei title, a role she allegedly declined.
Following the death of her daughter, Aminata is said to have fled to an undisclosed location in Freetown.
Subsequently, her aunt, Ya Sampa Kamara, and her husband, Alhaji Osman Kamara, who is reportedly the town chief of the village lodged a complaint with the police, alleging that Aminata intended to expose the secretive Bondo Society. Based on this allegation, the police declared Aminata Bah Bangura wanted.
Under Sierra Leonean law, the alleged offence of exposing secret society practices carries a severe penalty, including life imprisonment if convicted. As of press time, Aminata Bah Bangura’s whereabouts remain unknown, and police investigations are ongoing.