Violence in Madonkeh and Kola Tree has left one OSD police officer dead, and now community members are calling on the Government of Sierra Leone to launch a fair, independent investigation.
According to the Sierra Leone Police, the OSD officer was deployed to protect land under a court injunction in Madonkeh, on the outskirts of Waterloo. Police say suspected gang member overpowered and disarmed him before attacking him with machetes. During the follow-up operation, two soldiers were arrested after one was found with the officer’s loaded AK-47. More than 20 other suspects are currently in custody, and police say the search for others involved is ongoing.
This is a long-running land issue. People familiar with the matter say three main groups are involved in the 2026 conflict: members of the Kamara family, members of the Bangura family, and another group led by Gbassay Kargbo and Amadu Jalloh, popularly known as “Network.”
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Lands reportedly helped the Kamara and Bangura families reach an agreement. The understanding was that they are related and should settle peacefully. After that, the two families agreed to jointly reclaim land in Kola Tree, Momoh Farm and Madonkeh. At the same time, Gbassay Kargbo claimed ownership of a large portion of land in Kola Tree and Momoh Farm.
Residents allege that around January, some families were asked to contribute NLe 40,000 to cover costs for police, surveyors and others involved in the land recovery.
On 13 February, a group reportedly entered Kola Tree with police officers, soldiers and young men on motorbikes. Residents say structures were demolished and properties looted. As they left, a military vehicle reportedly hit a pedestrian and injured his ear.
The next day, 14 February, a similar operation took place in Madonkeh, where some houses were damaged or destroyed. There were no major clashes for several months after that.
Tension returned in the first week of July. It is alleged that Gbassay Kargbo and Amadu Jalloh “Network” influenced CID officers, leading to the arrests of Obai Kamara and Amadu K. Kamara.
Yusuf Bangura was reportedly invited to CID shortly after a hospital visit. He was detained for about two weeks until the High Court intervened. Family members say his health got worse while in detention. After his release, he was admitted to 34 Military Hospital and died on 21 August. People are asking for an independent review of his arrest, detention and death.
Gbassay Kargbo was also reportedly arrested and detained shortly before OSD officers were deployed to Madonkeh. Some residents believe his arrest was retaliation for earlier actions in the land dispute.
Around 27 August, Bai Kamara reportedly told Madonkeh residents that the government would come to help recover land. Soon after, OSD officers were deployed at Abu Kargbo’s house without the knowledge of local authorities, residents say.
On 21 and 22 August, groups including OSD officers, soldiers and young men allegedly entered Kola Tree and damaged property. On Sunday 23 August, many Kola Tree residents resisted and chased the group toward Madonkeh.
The situation got out of control. Bai Kamara, Hassan Kamara, Salieu Kamara, Obai Kamara, Amadu Kandeh Kamara and Mohamed Bangura reportedly returned to Abu Kargbo’s house expecting protection from OSD officers. But the officers were overwhelmed. One officer was disarmed, shots were fired, and it was later confirmed that a police officer had been killed.
Since the killing, many residents have left. Some say they are sleeping in the bush because they fear arrest or harassment. Senior police officers have called on people to return, but residents say the conduct of some OSD and police personnel is making them afraid.
There are also complaints about beatings, looting, and targeted arrests. Names mentioned include Alusine Kargbo, Francis Kroma, Dauda Mansaray, Lamine Sesay, Momoh Kargbo, and others.
Residents and observers are calling for an independent investigation into:
– The original land dispute and the Ministry of Lands’ earlier settlement
– The alleged collection of NLe 40,000 and how it was used
– The demolitions and looting in February
– The arrests and detention of Obai Kamara, Amadu K. Kamara, Yusuf Bangura and Gbassay Kargbo
– Yusuf Bangura’s health and death after detention
– The deployment of OSD officers to protect what residents call private property
– The attacks in Kola Tree between 21-23 August
– The destruction of the Madonkeh Headman’s house
– The killing of the police officer, including who disarmed him
– Allegations of harassment, looting and unlawful arrests
Anyone involved must face the law. But innocent people in Kola Tree and Madonkeh should not suffer for the actions of a few.
Land disputes should be settled in court and through the Ministry of Lands, not through violence, demolitions, or the use of armed security against communities.
Police say investigations are ongoing.
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