In the midst of the serene landscapes of Sierra Leone, the tranquility that enveloped 22-year-old Joseph Turay’s life was shattered by a harrowing encounter with the forces of the sacred Mabanta Poro society in Makeni. His fundamental right to life now hangs on a thin thread, compelling him to fle for his life to the unknown.
The Turay family members, neighbours and friends are in a state of deep frustration and regret. They are not sure whether their son is still alive and as we go to press nothing is heard of the whereabouts of Joseph Turay.
In an unsettling turn of events, Turay, disinterested in joining the Poro society, became the target of a surprise attack orchestrated by its senior officials in February. The brutality unfolded in the heart of the New London Community, where he resided with his parents. The aftermath of this assault plunged him into a state of uncertainty, with neither his parents nor other family members privy to his whereabouts for several months.
The repercussions of this traumatic incident have rippled across Turay’s life, disrupting not only his educational pursuits but also hindering his engagement in social activities. The gravity of the situation has left him grappling with the mental toll excerted by this prolonged period of insecurity in Sierra Leone.
In the aftermath of the attack, attempts were made to seek justice through legal channels, as Turay’s family reported the incident to the police. However, the pace of the investigation has been sluggish, leaving justice elusive for the victim. Eyewitnesses present during the assault described a brutal beating that inflicted numerous injuries on Turay. In an act of resilience, he managed to escape, but the physical and emotional scars linger.
The pervasive fear instilled by the attack extends beyond Turay’s immediate circle, with residents of the New London community expressing trepidation. There are unsettling rumors circulating about potential initiation activities by the Poro society after January, further exacerbating the climate of fear and uncertainty.
It is a secret society decree by the elders and chief priest that those who escaped initiation through violent means are punishable by death through swallowing by the evil spirit of the society.