By Alhaji Turay_
Residents of Magbenth Village, Makeni, in northern Sierra Leone, are raising concerns over the prolonged disappearance of Sulaiman Bundu, a native of the community described by many as a young and active man.
Sulaiman was born in Magbenth Village. Following the death of his father, Mr. Chernor Ali Bundu, in August 2004, Sulaiman lived abroad in Conakry, Guinea. He returned to Sierra Leone in 2024 to visit family.
According to community sources and his mother, Mr. Chernor Ali Bundu was a senior figure in the local Poro society in Magbenth. Sources say that before his death, he informed Sulaiman that certain traditional responsibilities were attached to his family line, including the possibility of succeeding his father’s role in the society.
Community members told this medium that after Sulaiman’s return in 2024, he discussed these traditional matters with his mother. He later traveled to Freetown and then back to Conakry to settle personal affairs before a scheduled traditional ceremony in the village. Sulaiman did not return for the ceremony.
Family and friends say the situation became more concerning after Sulaiman received information about his father’s death and alleged threats from individuals within the community. According to sources close to the family, Sulaiman, a Muslim, told relatives that he did not wish to be part of the society and would not accept the traditional role.
His wife, Hawa Tumbay, and daughter, Abie Duwa Bundu, have since left their residence, citing fear for their safety due to pressure from community members seeking Sulaiman’s whereabouts.
Sources also alleged that some members of the Poro society, and individuals they described as having connections to government and state security, instructed that Sulaiman be arrested and detained if seen in order to compel him to undergo initiation. These allegations independently verified by this medium. Efforts to reach relevant authorities and community stakeholders for comment yielded limited response.
Residents expressed worry and are calling on the Sierra Leone Police, human rights institutions, and community leaders to intervene and help locate Sulaiman safely.
As of press time, Sulaiman Bundu’s location remains unknown. The family and community continue to appeal for any information that could lead to his safe return.
