In a concerning turn of events, the West African nation of Sierra Leone is currently under a national curfew following a series of gunfire exchanges that erupted in the capital city, Freetown, on the morning of Sunday, November 26.
Residents of Freetown were abruptly awakened on Sunday morning by sporadic gunfire, compelling them to seek refuge in their homes. Law enforcement authorities swiftly imposed a citywide ban on movement, barricading several streets to prevent any passage or assembly. Markets and shops across the capital have been shuttered, with only a few mobile vendors visible.
The Pademba Road central prison also fell victim to an attack, resulting in the release of several inmates, including the incarcerated singer Boss Lee, held for alleged defamation in one of the country’s largest penitentiaries.
The incident transpired in the early hours of Sunday, November 26, when the Wilberforce arms depot was raided by unidentified assailants who absconded with weapons and ammunition.
In response to the escalating situation, a curfew has been imposed, compelling residents to remain indoors, as conveyed in an official statement from the Minister of Information.
Despite the gravity of the situation, the government asserted its control later on Sunday afternoon, even as gunfire continued to echo from the Wilberforce barracks by evening. “The government maintains control and is in command of the situation,” affirmed the Ministry of Information in a statement disseminated across social media platforms.
The government spokesperson elaborated that comprehensive data is presently being compiled to ascertain the extent of the situation and to disclose the number of arrests made. Chernor Bah stated, “The perpetrators will be pursued and brought to justice,” without providing further details regarding their identities. He acknowledged that the “assailants” targeted Freetown’s prisons, resulting in the escape of numerous detainees, though specifics regarding these “assailants” remain undisclosed.