The unfortunate incident took place in Yonibana Chiefdom in Tonkolili District in northern Sierra Leone in March 2023. Luckily for the three-year-old innocent son, Bamba Kabia, his father, Mr Abdulai Kabia, snatched him from the attacking Poro men and ran away. (Photo: Abdulai Kabia, missing since March 2023).

Since then, the whereabouts of the father and son are unknown. It is not clear what their present status is. Have they been captured and killed, or are they still hiding somewhere in Sierra Leone, out of the reach of the attackers? (Photo: Bamba Kabia).

What is, however, clear is that the police in the district are searching for the father, Mr Abdulai Kabia, and his son, Bamba. According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred in Yoni village after Mr Kabia refused to allow his three-year-old son, Bamba Kabia, to be initiated.

His uncle, one Mr Ibrahim Kabia, is reported to be behind the attempted kidnapping of the child, who was to be forced into joining the Poro Society. There was a heated confrontation between the father, Abdulai, and Ibrahim Kabia. (Photo: Uncle Ibrahim Kabia).

Before the police officers arrived at the scene, Abdulai Kabia escaped into the bush with his son. Police have since launched a manhunt for the suspect and are urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact +232 30 433264. Investigations continue.