Kenema, Sierra Leone — A man was seriously burned early Saturday morning after being set alight in the IDA section of Kenema City following accusations of theft, local authorities confirm.
The victim, identified as Ibrahim Mohamed, is receiving treatment at the Kenema Government Hospital, where he recounted the harrowing attack from his hospital bed.
According to Mohamed, the incident occurred around 6:00 a.m. on February 7, 2026, when he was approached by two men while en route to work. The assailants accused him of being involved in thefts at their place of employment.
Mohamed told journalists that the men allegedly bought two litres of fuel, restrained him in a field and then set him on fire.
“My strength was gone. Thereafter, I was on fire,” he said, adding that a passing bike rider intervened, likely saving his life.
The victim, who said he earns a living selling scrap iron, denied any involvement in theft.
Eastern Police Division have opened an investigation into the attack and are appealing to witnesses to come forward as they work to establish the circumstances surrounding the assault.
