FREETOWN, June 26, 2026 – The Sierra Leone Police has stepped up efforts to restore calm following a violent confrontation between students of UMC and Agape Secondary Schools in the Goderich community, prompting a high-level peace and security meeting with school authorities.
The meeting, chaired by the Regional Police Commander for Freetown West, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Sylvester M.N. Koroma, was held at the Freetown West Regional Police Headquarters after rival students from the two schools engaged in stone-throwing and other violent acts that disrupted public order.
The incident resulted in the arrest of several students to assist with ongoing investigations. Police also detained a number of teachers accused of obstructing officers while they carried out their lawful duties during the disturbance.
Addressing representatives from both schools, AIG Koroma condemned the violence, describing it as unacceptable and incompatible with the values of educational institutions. He said the meeting was convened to uncover the underlying causes of the long-standing rivalry between the schools and to develop practical measures to prevent similar incidents.
Officials from UMC and Agape acknowledged that tensions between the two schools have persisted for years, particularly during sporting events, but noted that they were unable to identify a specific trigger for the latest confrontation.
As part of efforts to strengthen preventive policing, AIG Koroma instructed the Community Relations Department (CRD) to intensify peace education and sensitisation programmes in both schools.
He also proposed the formation of a Joint Council of Goderich School Administrators to improve coordination, share intelligence, and address emerging security concerns before they escalate.
The meeting concluded with a series of resolutions, including strengthening peace education initiatives, improving school security, enhancing collaboration among schools, parents and community leaders, reinforcing disciplinary measures, and expanding police-led awareness campaigns.
Police said investigations into the clash remain ongoing and warned that anyone found criminally responsible will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The engagement forms part of the Sierra Leone Police’s broader preventive policing strategy aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence and maintaining a safe learning environment in schools across the country.
