Supporters of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the All People’s Congress (APC) clashed in Lunsar, northern Sierra Leone, few days after the official declaration of campaigning for the September 8 presidential run-off. The five hours rumpus, which occurred last Sunday, brought panic in Lunsar and grounded every aspect of commercial activity and left one woman Ya Marie Bangura with serious injuries.
It would have certainly resulted in a major fight, if it were not for the timely intervention of the police.
According to the officer commanding the Lunsar Police Station, Inspector Salieu Santigie Kanu, supporters of both parties went wild, barricaded the central part of the town and started pelting stones at each other.
Sources said the brawl started when a boy, who was criss-crossing the streets with a long iron rod, received a slap from one “Scorpay” following an argument between the two.
Tension flared up after Osman Karamkay, the SLPP parliamentary candidate in Lunsar, breezed into the scene from Freetown and allegedly started using abusive languages.
The situation was brought under control when the local unit commander, Superintendent Tarawallie, moved in with a re-enforcement from Port Loko.