06/23/2026
Media Update on Kailahun incident which occured on Sunday 21st June 2026
23rd June 2026
SLP Media East
Kailahun Township is gradually returning to normalcy following a violent incident that erupted on Sunday, 21st June 2026, leaving one man dead and triggering unrest that resulted in attacks on police facilities.
As reported, the incident began at about 1:30 p.m. when Police Constable 17178 Kabba M.S. received a telephone call from Mamie C. Banya of Gbanyawallu Section, Kailahun Town, reporting that unknown thieves had broken into her house.
Acting on the report, PC Kabba, together with Detective Police Constable 17430 Jusu P.B., immediately proceeded to the scene.
Upon arrival, the officers were informed that the alleged suspect had already fled the house and escaped toward the Kailahun Library Area. The officers quickly moved in that direction, only to meet a large crowd of people who had already apprehended the suspect. In the process, the suspect, later identified as Abdulai Kallon, formerly of Daru Town, lost his life under circumstances that are now the subject of a full police investigation.
The death of Abdulai Kallon sparked widespread anger, particularly among members of the Kailahun District Bike Riders Union after it was revealed that the deceased was one of their own. According to the Union District Chairman, Mr. Saidu Daboh, reports from some of his members alleged that police officers were among those involved in the mob action against the deceased. These allegations fueled tension and led to spontaneous protests by angry youths and bike riders, who mobilized and descended on the Kailahun Police Station with intentions to set the station ablaze.
In response to the growing violence, personnel of the Operations Support Unit (OSU) attached to Kailahun Division intervened and discharged tear gas canisters to disperse the aggressive crowd and prevent further destruction. Despite those efforts, it was confirmed that the Police Barracks situated along Pendembu Road had been set on fire, causing significant damage and heightening security concerns across the township.
Following the unrest, the Regional Police Commander East, Mr. Joe Kamanda Bongay, ACP, swiftly intervened and took charge of the situation, leading a high-powered team to Kailahun to restore calm and provide strategic oversight into the unfolding crisis. Under his leadership, crime scenes were revisited and properly examined, with photographs taken and crucial exhibits recovered under the professional supervision of the Regional Crime Officer East, ASP Mohamed Hindolo Feika.
The deceased’s body was initially conveyed to the Kailahun Government Hospital Mortuary for examination, but was later buried in a marked grave at the Gbaima Kobohun Village Cemetery, where it remains pending possible exhumation for further forensic investigation if required.
As part of efforts to de-escalate tensions and rebuild public confidence, a critical stakeholders’ engagement was convened at the Kailahun District Council Hall. The meeting was chaired by the Resident Minister East and attended by the Regional Police Commander East, the ONS Kailahun District Security Coordinator, the National President of the Bike Riders Union, district executives, and other key stakeholders.
During the engagement, all parties called for calm, restraint, and cooperation with the police as investigations continue.
The stakeholders emphasized the need for peaceful dialogue and collective responsibility in maintaining law and order.
Investigations have since intensified, with statements obtained from six witnesses in relation to the murder and seven complainants, including six police officers and one civilian in connection with the arson incidents.
So far, twenty-five suspects remain in police custody at Kenema Police Station, including twenty-two civilians linked to the arson attacks and three individuals, among them two police officers, assisting with the murder investigation.
The situation in Kailahun is now calm and under firm control. Normal business activities have resumed, movement within the township has returned to regular flow, and residents are gradually going about their daily lives without fear. Police continue to maintain a strong presence in the area as investigations progress to ensure justice is served and lasting peace is sustained.
