By Our Northern Correspondent
Bumban Village, Paki Massabong Chiefdom, Bombali District
Reports reaching this medium indicate that Mr. Abdul Santigie Kargbo, formerly of Bumban Village, Paki Massabong Chiefdom, Bombali District, Northern Province, is currently on the run and in hiding, fearing for his life after he was allegedly declared wanted by members of the Gbangbani Secret Society for refusing to be initiated to succeed his late father.
Tradition and Alleged Succession
According to sources in Bumban Village, it is the tradition among the Limba, Loko and Temne ethnic groups that when the head and chief initiator of the Gbangbani Secret Society dies, he must be succeeded by either his son, nephew or grandson.
Sources alleged that after the death of Abdul Santigie Kargbo’s father, who was the head of the society, the deity of the society allegedly chose his son, Abdul Santigie Kargbo, to succeed him. A decision he reportedly refused to accept because he is married with children and fears for his safety.
It is further alleged that among other practices, the succeeding leader is forced to sleep near the dead body of the former leader and, on the day of his initiation, is made to drink a mixture from the skull of a former leader as part of the oath-taking ceremony to ensure he keeps the secrets of the society.
Alleged Forced Initiation and Escape
Speaking to this medium from hiding, Abdul Santigie Kargbo alleged that his troubles started after the death of his father, who died in the secret society bush.
He alleged that he was taken to the bush against his wishes to be initiated on 1st April, 2025, by several men from the village who are members of the society.
“Because of the mysterious death of my late father in the secret society bush, I became very afraid. I did not want to become a member or take my father’s place,” Abdul Santigie Kargbo told this medium.
He alleged that he was kept in the bush for five days before he was able to escape on 5th April, 2025. At the time of his escape, he was naked due to the circumstances surrounding his confinement and initiation.
He further alleged that his wife and children were beaten mercilessly before they were able to escape to a nearby village and later found their way to a neighbouring country, Guinea.
Alleged Manhunt
Sources claim that the Gbangbani Secret Society has an organized network across the country and members have been alerted about the alleged abomination committed by Abdul Santigie Kargbo, with instructions to look for him and harm him in order to cleanse the society of the alleged abomination and appease the deities.
According to sources, members of the society are still searching for Abdul Santigie Kargbo and have vowed not to forgive him.
This medium was also informed that some influential persons are allegedly members of the society, which makes the complainant fear for his safety even more.
Efforts to get the side of the Gbangbani Secret Society elders in Bumban and the local authorities proved futile as at press time.
