In a recent report from BBC’s Umaru Fofana, he recounted a tense encounter with soldiers in Congo Cross who declared their mission to “cleanse this society.”
“We just came face-to-face with soldiers who said to us “we will clean this society. We know what we’re up to. We are not after any ordinary civilians who should go about their normal business,” Fofana reported.
Positioned at what seemed like a frontline, the Congo Cross roundabout bore witness to the unfolding events.
As Fofana and his team navigated through eerily quiet streets, armed police, stationed near a bullet-damaged vehicle, initially cautioned against advancing. However, they were soon drawn back to the roundabout, only to have their vehicle commandeered by soldiers carrying RPGs.
“Armed police who were parked on the street with their vehicle freshly hit by bullet, initially advised us not to proceed. Seconds later they were lured into going back to the roundabout where I saw their vehicle being taken over by soldiers with RPG mounted on their shoulders,” he stated.
Despite making a hasty U-turn, Fofana and colleague Kelvin Xander Lewis were approached by the soldiers, who assured them not to worry.
The situation remained tense, with observers on edge, awaiting further developments.
Earlier this morning, heeavy gunfire were heard in Freetown. The sounds appear to be coming from the main military barracks at Wilberforce, which is close to the president’s lodge. Some senior military source said that there had been a breakage into the armory at Wilberforce before the shooting started.
In response the government of Sierra Leone has declared a nationwide curfew.
Meanwhile, in an address to the nation, President Bio reassured citizens of putting the situation under control and vowed to uphold the peace and stability of the nation.
