Having realized that police deployed in Kailahun lack logistics especially in terms of mobility, residents in Kailahun and its environs have expressed concern “the security situation in the town is sitting on a powder keg which might explode at any time if measures are not put in place to ameliorate the state of affairs.”
The Local Unit Commander in Kailahun, Mohamed Kamara disclosed to Awoko that his unit lacks mobility and sufficient human resource to enable it adequately discharge security functions in and around the district.
“Thank God we have not recorded any major incidences since the start of this year that would warrant a serious security alarm. But the situation here on account of lack of mobility and inadequate personnel is nothing to write home about,” he stated.
He added that in the event of an outbreak of an emergency anywhere far from the centre of Kailahun for instance, that would require swift deployment of police personnel, the only alternative open to them is to hire motorbikes to reach the area in question.
As a way of justifying the deplorable condition of the law enforcement agency in that part of the country, Detective police Inspector John Manah explained that in late January, police detectives had to hire motor bikes to go to a village called Benduma where a 19-year old boy, Sahr Koroma had committed suicide. Detective Manah explained a number of instances where the police had to resort to hiring motor bikes at exorbitant costs to reach crime scenes in surrounding villages.
On all of these LUC Kamara noted that the function of the police in the district is being seriously hampered due to lack of mobility. He said the unit has been promised mobility for some time now but that that promise is yet to materialize.
“A very strong vehicle at the unit will enhance our movements and our ability to effect arrests,” he said.
This, according to Jessy Kai-Tongi, the Coordinator of Youth for Peace Africa Network-Sierra Leone, is very crucial especially in the wake of the general elections.
“Our police officers and other state security apparatuses should be well equipped to be able to professionally control unfavourable situations during and after the elections a moment that is very critical to our country’s history,” Kai-Tongi stated.
The problem of inadequate logistics and personnel in many police operational areas around the country remains a concern and this is reported to be affecting policing and the maintenance of law and order seriously.
By Poindexter Sama
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