By: Alusine Rehme Wilson
Joint security troops in Makeni city on Wednesday displayed a high sense of professionalism by positioning at strategic points in the northern regional city and its environs, a small group consisting of police and military officers in response to rumours about a proposed demonstration.
Added to that an early warning from the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) in the northeast region through major local networks in Makeni plus the Minister of Information and Civic Education clarion call for peace as well as efforts by the media are credited for the absolute calm and normalcy maintained.
Unlike past widespread social media rumours and incitements that sparked violent riots in Makeni notably the Generator saga, and the August 10 insurrection that claimed lives, the municipality of Makeni and its environs in recent times is showcasing its peaceful and law abiding tenants.
Despite police and military men were stationed at strategic points and other patrolling in police and military vans to monitor the situation and making no room for any discomfort to normal life in Makeni city and its environs, no arm or casualty was noticed throughout the day except for some schools that reported of low pupils turnout on the day, market places, banks, collages, private and public offices continued their routine activities unhindered.
Market women interviewed by AWE-Media.SL at the main Makeni market on Campbell Street say they heard the rumours on social media of a proposed demonstration but resolved to show up at their business place for routine trading when they listen to their local radio station and were told not to be afraid, and to go about their normal business.
Their views were similarly shared by some teachers, commercial motorbike riders and university students who added that they saw no reason to believe rumours of a proposed demonstration whose leaders are unknown.
“Almost everyone on social media was just forwarding voice notes telling us that there will be a strike action on Wednesday and that we should sit in our homes, but the main source of the clips nor a compelling reason to obey such directives was evident, so we defied such instruction and went about our normal businesses and here we’re healthy and safe,” the interviewees serially explained.
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