Over 300 Youths and elders in Malegohun chiefdom, in the Kenema district on Tuesday morning took to the road which links Malegohun chiefdom and Lower Bambara all in the Kenema district to stop what they describe as unjust mining.
According to eye witness Musa Sheriff, who spoke to Awoko over the phone from the site where miners have excavated up to a long bridge linking Weima town to Kenema, – an action which is now threatening to damage the bridge, angry youths have vowed to burn the caterpillar machine that was at the site if the miners make attempt to continue the mining.
The protesting youths are allegedly accusing one Fokai Demby a business tycoon in Kenema town and the Paramount Chief of Malegohun Chiefdom Madam Satta Salay Gendemeh.
The officer in Charge of the Weima police post Mr. Amara was not able to quell the situation and immediately sent for reinforcements from Tongo field.
When the Paramount Chief arrived at Weima town to resolve the issue, the angry youth are reported to have rushed to the police post in an attempt to mob the chief, but the police quickly left the post and invariably escaped with her to another location for safety.
Several efforts were made by phone to get in touch with the chief to get her own version of events but we were unsuccessful.
Stake holders and other authorities in the Chiefdom made several attempts to resolve the issue before it gets out of control, although two youths were seriously injured in the fracas and were immediately taken to the health post for medical attention.
When our Eastern correspondent checked at Mobil Spot the business place of Mr. Fokai Demby, he was told that he had already left for Weima.
As at press time, it was learnt that all parties involved in the matter have been invited to Kenema police station for further investigation.
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