By Alie Samura

On the 26th of November 2023, Sierra Leone experienced one of the most alarming and serious security breaches in its recent history, marked by a brazen and highly organized attack that targeted not just one, but two critical facilities: the Sierra Leone Correctional Center and a military barracks located nearby.

This audacious assault involved a group of heavily armed attackers who employed sophisticated weaponry to execute their plan, plunging the nation into chaos and instilling fear among both correctional personnel and the general populace.

As the sun rose that fateful day, the tranquility of the Sierra Leone Correctional Center was shattered when a well-coordinated group of assailants stormed the premises. Witnesses reported that the attackers used heavy artillery, including rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), to breach the prison’s fortified main gate.

The force of the blast not only damaged the facility but also created an environment of utter disarray. In the scramble that ensued, around 1,890 inmates seized the opportunity to escape, leading to a massive prison break that sent shockwaves throughout the country.

In the midst of this tumultuous scene some prison officers among them was Vandi Turay, Mohamed Kamara, Lamin Sesay. Hawa Fofanah, Femi Johnson and Isatu Thorli, all dedicated correctional service officers and many others who were on duty when the attackers launched their assault.

Faced with the overwhelming firepower of the intruders, including the ominous sounds of weapons discharging and the chaos of their colleagues trying to seek cover,  was Vandi Turay, Mohamed Kamara, Lamin Sesay. Hawa Fofanah, Femi Johnson and Isatu Thorli and several other officers found themselves paralyzed by fear. Unable to mount a sufficient defense against the heavily armed gang, they instinctively ran for their lives, hoping to avoid the potential catastrophe unfolding around them.

As subsequent reports revealed, although some inmates chose to return voluntarily after the violence subsided, many others remained at large, posing an ongoing risk to public safety. The situation became increasingly dire as the days passed, with authorities scrambling to account for the missing inmates and restore order.

In the wake of this unprecedented breach in security, was Vandi Turay, Mohamed Kamara, Lamin Sesay. Hawa Fofanah, Femi Johnson and Isatu Thorli fate became a focal point of concern. After the dust settled and the military was able to repel the attackers, was Vandi Turay, Mohamed Kamara, Lamin Sesay. Hawa Fofanah, Femi Johnson and Isatu Thorli faced serious allegations of complicity. Their once-reliable reputation came under scrutiny as investigators began to question whether they could have, directly or indirectly, aided the armed group that had perpetrated the attack. The very thought of being accused of such grave wrongdoing left them feeling vulnerable and

fearful for their lives amid growing public outrage and calls for accountability. Recognizing the critical need for answers and justice, the government swiftly launched an inquiry to identify and apprehend those responsible for orchestrating the attack. This investigation promised to delve deep into the circumstances surrounding both the prison break and the military’s response, aiming to uncover the detailed events that led to this breakdown of security. In a nation already struggling with political and social unrest, this incident represented not just a failure of law enforcement, but a severe blow to the safety and stability of Sierra Leone as a whole.

However, according to information gathered from a significant number of citizens, there is a prevailing belief that the investigation swiftly morphed into a political affair. The security forces, rather than focusing solely on the criminal aspects of the inquiry, appeared to have shifted their attention to targeting correctional service officers who were perceived to be sympathetic to the opposition party.

This targeting was often based not only on their political affiliations but also on the regions of the country from which they hailed, a dangerously arbitrary classification that set the stage for a widespread and systemic campaign against perceived dissenters.

As the investigation unfolded, was Vandi Turay, Mohamed Kamara, Lamin Sesay. Hawa Fofanah, Femi Johnson and Isatu Thorli and others, whose names had surfaced during the inquiry, allegedly faced brutal treatment at the hands of security personnel. Reports indicate that these officers were subjected to severe beatings, intimidation tactics, and harassment, culminating in their arbitrary detention without any semblance of due process. Such actions illustrate a chilling environment where law enforcement not only operates outside the boundaries of legal framework but also seems driven by a vendetta against those linked to opposition movements.

In light of these ominous developments and fearing the same violent repercussions, Vandi Turay and three of his colleagues made the harrowing decision to flee to the provinces, seeking refuge in the hopes of eluding the dark clouds of persecution looming over them. Their intention was to find a place to remain concealed from the prying eyes of the authorities, thus preserving their safety, at least temporarily.

However, according to a trusted informant who had been closely monitoring the unfolding events, government forces subsequently gleaned information about their location through intelligence channels. This crucial revelation led to a swift and violent raid on their makeshift hideout, shrouding what transpired next in uncertainty.

While the specifics remain murky and conflicting accounts swirl around the incident, some reports unequivocally allege that two of the four men were tragically killed during the raid, raising grave concerns about the extent of brutality employed by the security forces. Meanwhile, Turay and few other officers whereabouts, are still shrouded in mystery. The situation has left Turay’s wife, Isha Mansaray in a state of despair; during the chaotic moments when securityforces stormed their home, she reportedly faced harassment herself while desperately seeking to understand the fate of her husband. Following the traumatic events surrounding the prison break and the subsequent threats against her safety, she too was compelled to flee, further illustrating the depths of the crisis that has engulfed their family and underscoring the perilous conditions faced by those caught in this political turmoil.

At this moment, both Turay, his wife and many other officers have mysteriously vanished without a trace, leaving an air of uncertainty and concern hanging heavily over their community. Friends, family members, and colleagues are consumed by anxiety and dread, fearing that the situation may have taken a dire turn. The close-knit relationships that Turay and his wife cultivated over the years have heightened the worry, as loved ones grapple with the unsettling possibility that something unfortunate may have occurred. With each passing day that they remain missing, the sense of urgency grows, and the hopes of seeing them return safely diminish, casting a shadow of fear over those who care for them deeply. All effort made by this media to reach out to Turay, his wife and some of the officers for comments proved futile, and investigation still continues.