By: Amb. Unisa Totti Fofanah
Port Loko City experienced a fragile security situation on Friday, 30th January 2025, following a violent disturbance at the Port Loko Correctional Center. The incident erupted when prisoners set fire to the administrative building of the facility, throwing the entire city into tension. The unrest has raised serious concerns about prison conditions and overall security management within the correctional system.
The fire caused severe damage, resulting in the complete destruction of critical properties, including official documents, medicines, food supplies, and several administrative materials. According to information gathered by Public Trust Media, the prisoners reportedly protested against what they described as inhumane treatment, particularly the issue of inadequate food supply. Sources revealed that more than 300 inmates depend on only one bag of rice per day, a situation that has fueled frustration and anger within the facility.
Further compounding the crisis is the existence of two rival factions among the prisoners, a development that has raised serious security concerns. During the chaos, some inmates managed to move outside the prison quarters. However, in an unexpected turn, a number of prisoners later joined correctional officers in efforts to prevent a total jailbreak that could have resulted in the escape of over 90 percent of the inmate population.
A young man identified as Wizy has allegedly been accused of leading a group of prisoners to burn down the administrative building and attempt an escape. As the unrest intensified, inmates reportedly broke through the first and second gates and attempted to force open the third and final gate. With the situation rapidly deteriorating, police officers were left with no option but to deploy teargas to regain control and prevent a mass escape.
The Mayor of Port Loko, Alie Badara Tarawallie, and the Resident Minister for the Northwest Region, Ambassador Umuru Bundu Wurie, played key roles in calming the situation alongside police officers and other stakeholders. A reinforcement team of military personnel later arrived and escorted officials into the prison cells to restore order. The suspect, Wizy, was taken to the Northwest Regional Police Headquarters for questioning.
Authorities confirmed that no deaths were recorded, and the situation is now fully under control, though the incident has highlighted deep-seated challenges within the correctional facility that demand urgent attention.