Reports from Kukuna chiefdom, Kambia district, northwestern Sierra Leone reveal that one Abass Dumbuya is currently on the run, after being declared wanted by a dreaded secret society, ‘Poro secret society’ for refusing to be initiated as a member.
According to our source, Abass Dumbuya is said to have vehemently refused to conform to tradition to join the secret society, an action seen as disrespect for traditional values and a disregard for family lineage, wspwcially as his uncle is known to be a prominent senior member and head of the Poro society in the chiefdom.
During our investigation, it was revealed that according to their tradition, Abass is expected to take the place of his uncle, who is said to have carried age and a successor is needed. His uncle, it was revealed, had intimated the society that it is their family decision that Abass should replace him to continue the family lineage in the secret society.
Family sources say that this decision had been taken long ago and that their tradition and culture demands that Abass adhere to whatever decision that is made in respect of the society. The decision is non-negotiable, and every son identified to be initiated into the secret society have no other option but to obey. This adherence to the dictates of the society is seen as a commitment to the diety of their clan, therefore, any refusal is seen as a blatant disrespect to the diety that guides their clan, and such individuals are forcefully initiated or face the wrath of the society and the Gods.
Abass Dumbuya is said to have openly challenged the elders in the society and the chiefdom over his pending initiation, which resulted in heated argument in their house. Angered by his outright rejection of their long held traditional belief and principles, the elders retreated to plan their next step. It was during this phase that Abass is said to have absconded and gone into hiding.
Sources revealed that in the following days, members of the secret society stormed Abass Dumbuya’s home only to discover that he had left for an unknown destination to avoid the initiation. They then organized a search party to look for him, threatening to deal with anyone haboring him. Messages about his disappearance was quickly sent to all affiliate secret society across the country to apprehend Abass if seen.
According to close friends of Abass, their homes were raided by secret society members in search of Abass, and threats were issued against them if they are found haboring him. They continued that they only saw Abass briefly, in an angry and apprehensive mood,but that he left shortly before the secret society members came lokking for him. They maintained that they do not have any idea about his whereabouts, but know that a man-hunt has been mounted by the secret society for him.
Some members of the secret society confirmed that they are in search of Abass, and that when found, he will face the full wrath of the secret society and the deity. As we go to press, the whereabouts of Abass Dumbuya are still unknown, and the search for him continues, now joined by other affiliated secret society bodies.
