No fewer than 13 soldiers and citizens lost their lives on Sunday in Freetown, Sierra Leonea’s capital city as some “unidentified individuals” attempted to break into the country’s armoury.
This was confirmed by the country’s military spokesperson, Colonel Issa Bangura, while revealing that the dead were mostly armed officers who were loyal to the government.
“We have launched a manhunt for all those who were involved in the violent attack, amongst them current and retired serving soldiers,” Colonel Issa Bangura was quoted by news outlets.
SaharaReporters on Sunday reported how the Sierra Leonean government, while giving an update on the issue via the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, said some suspects were arrested in relation to the military breach.
A release signed by Chernor Bah, the Minister of Information and Civic Culture, said, “PUBLIC NOTICE; Security Update and Nationwide Curfew Announcement; In the early hours of Sunday November 26th 2023, some unidentified individuals attempted to break into the military armory at Wilberforce barracks. They have all been rebuffed.
“The public is assured that the government and our state security forces are in control. To enable the security forces to continue the process of apprehending the suspects, a nationwide curfew is declared with immediate effect across the country. We strongly advise citizens to stay indoors.
“Please follow the official Ministry of Information and Civic Education channels and our official handles for accurate information and updates on the situation.”
The United States government and the Economic Community of West African States had also condemned the military breach and unrest in the West African country.
The US Embassy in Sierra Leone made the statement in a tweet on Sunday while expressing strong disapproval of the jailbreak as it called for cooperation with government security forces.
The United States said it affirmed its support for “a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous Sierra Leone.”
SaharaReporters earlier reported that the Pademba Road Prison authorities in Freetown, Sierra Leone, confirmed that the Central Prison was breached and the inmates set free.