On 9th August 2025, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey, accompanied by Deputy Minister I, Emily Kadiatu Gogra, led a delegation to the Benevolent Islamic Secondary School in Makeni to inspect the aftermath of a devastating fire.
The blaze, which broke out on Thursday, 7th August 2025, destroyed six classrooms, the principal’s office, and the examinations office. The visit also brought together key stakeholders, including the Chairman of the Bombali District Council, Dr. Mohamed Mark Baba Sesay, Regent Chief Foday Conteh, and the Head of the Free Quality Education Secretariat Northeast, Abubakarr Jalloh.
Principal Abdul Salam Conteh dismissed rumours circulating on social media suggesting the fire was caused by aggrieved pupils.
He clarified that the issuance of report cards and exam scripts earlier that day had gone smoothly in the spirit of transparency.
He added that the school was facing land encroachment issues and would not speculate further until investigations are complete.
“We couldn’t salvage anything,” he said. “I cannot yet put a value on the losses, but important documents — including past students’ results, land certificates, and other records — were all destroyed, along with seven computers, two laptops, five desktops, three printers, and laminating machines.”
Minister Sackey urged the school administration to compile a detailed report of the losses and prepare a budget to guide the next steps.
Abubakarr Conteh, President of the Benevolent Old Students Association, assured the public that immediate arrangements were being made to secure temporary learning spaces.
“A committee has been formed to investigate the incident and ensure the school reopens safely in September,” he stated, thanking the minister for the timely visit.
School Board Chairman, Prof. Philip Kanu, appealed for urgent assistance to restore the school, stressing that unfounded accusations against pupils could discourage attendance.
“Let’s allow the proper authorities to conduct a fact-based investigation,” he said.
The Local Unit Commander of the Sierra Leone Police in Makeni, CSP Abu Bakaar Magona, pledged a professional and impartial investigation, noting that some individuals had already made formal reports to the police.
The destroyed building, originally constructed in 1977 through the efforts of local women traders, had no electrical connections near the fire site. Ongoing nearby construction has also been ruled out as a cause. The Fire Force’s swift response was credited with preventing further destruction.
