Disaster At Fort Street School
By Abdul Rahman Bah
(PICTURE OF LIMBA CHURCH)
On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, the Pentecostal School at Fort Street in Freetown, Sierra Leone, became the epicentre of a heart-wrenching tragedy that has left the community reeling. The mysterious disappearance of three children; two boys and a girl, has ignited a wave of sorrow and disbelief among their families and friends. Initially reported missing earlier that week, the atmosphere in the city quickly shifted from anxiety to horror, as a search unfolded.
Authorities allegedly disclosed that a desolate vehicle was found in the bishop’s compound near the school, a discovery that would lead to a nightmarish revelation. The lifeless bodies of the two boys were found inside; their young lives were extinguished under inexplicable circumstances, leaving behind an aura of dread and confusion. Meanwhile, the girl was located unconscious and gravely injured, her condition was deemed critical and medical professionals rushed her to a nearby hospital. The severity of her injuries has led doctors to work tirelessly in the hope of stabilizing her condition, a testament to the urgency and despair enveloping the situation.
The palpable grief has swept through Freetown like a dark cloud, penetrating homes and schools alike. The local population, already grappling with socio-economic hardships, exploded in anger, expressing their heartbreak through spirited demonstrations outside the Pentecostal School. Parents and outraged citizens gathered in droves, their voices rising in a chorus demanding justice and accountability from authorities. The protesters, driven by a mix of fear and sorrow, chanted for the truth to surface, certain that the inexplicable could not go unanswered.
As rumors circulated about potential foul play—whispers of abduction and criminal involvement—they transformed the heartache into an all-consuming outrage. Emotions ran rampant, with the crowd increasingly agitated and desperate for answers. The residents of Freetown, already burdened with the weight of their daily struggles, saw their pain amplified by the grievous incident involving these innocent children.
In response to the escalating tension, the Sierra Leone Police intervened to restore order. Officers were dispatched to engage with community leaders and residents, urging calm and cooperation to allow the investigation time to unfold. The police pledged a thorough search for the truth, ensuring that those accountable for this tragedy would be brought to justice, while reassurances were made that the case was taken very seriously.
At the national level, government officials expressed their sorrow and shock at this unfathomable loss, with various leaders publicly condemning the deaths. Calls for reforms in local law enforcement and justice systems intensified, as voices rose in unison to safeguard the community’s children and prevent such a travesty from recurring.
As the community grapples with the enormity of their loss, tension remains high and an unsettling atmosphere prevails. Parents, especially, seek comfort and assurance from local authorities, fearing for the safety of their children, while grappling with the horror of recent events. While some have warned against taking matters into their own hands—foreseeing the dangers of mob justice—the demand for accountability grows louder.
With every detail that emerges, the city of Freetown remains shrouded in grief, yet united in its pursuit of justice and truth. The collective determination of the people is clear: the lives of the lost children must not fade away in vain. Amidst the darkness, there is a glimmer of hope that the investigation will yield not only answers, but will also inspire meaningful changes to protect future generations. The resilience of the Sierra Leonean community stands as a testament to their unwavering spirit in the face of horror and loss.
