Panic and unrest escalated in Sierra Leone on Tuesday amidst renewed gunfire following a series of assaults on military facilities, intensifying the search for suspects connected to a jailbreak and thwarted assault on a barracks that resulted in over 13 fatalities.
Reports streamed in from residents of Freetown, indicating fresh rounds of gunfire echoing through the Murray Town suburb on Tuesday afternoon. Although the Sierra Leonean information ministry confirmed no casualties from the recent gunfire, tension lingered in the air.
“In ongoing efforts to apprehend those involved in the November 26th incidents, a few shots were discharged near the Murray Town barracks,” the ministry disclosed in a statement on Tuesday. “A key individual of interest has been apprehended and is under the custody of security forces,” it further confirmed.
According to Umaru Fofana, a journalist based in Freetown, the Kingtom area witnessed a surge of panic as soldiers’ presence intensified, aiming to recapture escaped inmates believed to have sought refuge within the slums.
Manhunt launched
The hunt intensifies Law enforcement agencies across the West African nation launched a massive manhunt to reclaim numerous escaped inmates following the breach at a prison and detention centers in Freetown early Sunday.
“Thirteen soldiers lost their lives in the line of duty,” reported Sierra Leone’s army spokesman, Colonel Issa Bangura, to CNN on Tuesday, recounting the failed assault on the army base.
“Eight soldiers sustained injuries, and three attackers have been apprehended,” Bangura disclosed, hinting that the casualty count might soar as high as 20.
While some escapees have voluntarily surrendered, authorities have yet to ascertain the total count of prisoners who absconded during the jailbreak. Initial estimates from prison authorities suggest that the number of escapees could exceed 1,800.
A substantial cash reward has been pledged for information leading to the capture of the assailants or escaped prisoners.
In the wake of Sunday’s attacks, a nationwide curfew was imposed, causing significant disruptions to flight schedules at the Freetown International Airport.
Subsequently, authorities revised the curfew hours on Monday, specifying a nightly restriction from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. until further notice.
“Airport operations will comply with the adjusted curfew timings,” confirmed the country’s aviation authority.
President Maada Bio condemned the attempted raid on the army barracks as an “assault on democracy” in the country, grappling with political unrest following a disputed general election in June.
Investigations continue to decipher the motives behind the attacks, swiftly denounced by the United States, European Union, and the regional bloc Ecowas, as Sierra Leone strives to restore order amidst the chaos.
