Sierra Leone High Commissioner in The Gambia has recently extended a vital aid to Sierra Leonean nationals in that country.

They comprise four women, two men, and three children who have fallen victim to human trafficking.

These individuals were deceitfully transported from Sierra Leone to the Gambia by a man identified as Alhaji Kamara, who is a resident of Freetown.

Reports say the victims were conveyed by road and arrived at Banjul Park on 15 May 2025.

Upon their arrival, Abdul Kamara abandoned them, leaving them stranded without a shelter, or means of sustenance, or any form of support given them.

According to the victims, each paid over ten thousand Leones (Le10, 000) to Kamara, under a false promise of facilitating their migration to Europe in pursuit of a brighter prospects.

The battered group of emigrants endured seven harrowing nights at Banjul Park, and were subjected to deplorable conditions as they had to sleep on market stalls without any access to food or basic necessities to keep them along.

Disturbed and determined to act, the Sierra Leone High Commission office intervened promptly, led by the High Commissioner, and was  supported by the Head of Chancery, Madam Kadija E. Alpha and staff. The mission said it conducted interviews with the victims to assess their needs and thereafter provided immediate relief by offering food and temporary shelter to them.

Also efforts were being made to contact some of the victims’ families in Freetown.

It was uncovered that the victims had left Sierra Leone without the knowledge or consent of their loved ones – – something which highlights the insidious nature of the trafficking scheme.

The Office of Sierra Leone High Commission in Gambia is actively coordinating the safe and expeditious repatriation of the victims while measures are underway to ensure that they are reintegrated into their communities with dignity and support.

The mission advocates for a thorough investigation into Alhaji Kamara’s activities and underscores the necessity of raising awareness in the form of campaigns about the perils of human trafficking and irregular migration occurring within the West Africa basin.

The Sierra Leone High Commission in The Gambia says it remains steadfast in safeguarding the welfare of its nationals abroad. In doing so, a swift and decisive action has been taken to protect these victims, and plans are in motion to facilitate their safe return home.

“This incident underscores the critical need for enhanced community education, robust law enforcement cooperation, and stronger preventative measures to combat human trafficking and prevent future tragedies,” the embassy reiterated.