By Ibrahim Tailu Koroma
Mohamed Kamara was reportedly killed after a violent confrontation with members of the Poro Society in Makeni, Tonkolili District. According to eyewitness accounts, the conflict began when Mohamed refused to take part in the Poro Society, choosing instead to continue practicing Christianity.
It is alleged that a group of Poro members overpowered Mohamed and forcibly dragged him into a forest along Magburaka Road, a location believed to serve as a secret shrine for the society. The assault was described as brutal, inhumane, and prolonged. After several hours of resisting his attackers, Mohamed succumbed to his injuries and died.
Traditionally, membership in the Poro Society is passed down through family lineage, and it is expected that a male child replaces his father’s role within the society. Mohamed’s refusal to abandon his Christian faith reportedly led to the fatal confrontation.
This is not the first case of conflict linked to Poro initiation. In 2022, Abdulai Fornah of Makaba Village was also attacked for refusing to take up his late father’s position in the society.
In September 2025, youths in the same community vandalized a Poro shrine. Reports suggest Abdulai may have been encouraging others to speak out against forceful initiation of teenagers. As a result, members of the Poro Society allegedly began searching for Abdulai and his family with the intent to kill him. Abdulai has since fled the country, and his whereabouts remain unknown, while his family continues to live in fear.
Secret societies continue to hold strong influence in Sierra Leone, and their activities are often treated as highly sensitive matters. Some politicians, police officers, military personnel, and public officials are believed to be active members, which makes accountability difficult and limits the willingness of authorities to intervene in such cases.
As of press time, the whereabouts of Abdulai Fornah have not been confirmed, while members of the Poro Society are said to still be searching for him.
