By: Hope Times Staff Writer
The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has conducted a rapid damage and needs assessment in Suen and Batbai villages, Ribbi Chiefdom, Moyamba District, following a devastating fire incident that left scores of residents homeless and without livelihoods.
The fire, which occurred on 17 January 2026, completely destroyed two houses in Batbai village and fifteen houses in Suen village, according to findings by NDMA’s assessment team. The intervention followed an alert received on 19 January 2026 from the Honourable Member of Parliament for Moyamba District, Mrs. Umu Pyne, prompting the Agency to deploy officers from its Relief and Response Directorate to the affected communities.
Preliminary findings established that the incident was deliberately caused through an alleged arson attack, reportedly linked to a land ownership dispute between residents of Suen and Batbai villages. The disputed land is said to be earmarked for acquisition by Orange for the construction of a telecommunications mast intended to improve network coverage in the area. NDMA noted that tensions over the land escalated into violence, culminating in the fire outbreak.
As a result of the incident, seven makeshift residential structures were completely destroyed, leading to the displacement of sixteen households and affecting a total of 82 people. Victims lost essential household items, food stocks, cash savings, and important personal documents. The destruction has significantly disrupted daily life and economic activities in both villages.
The assessment also revealed damage to two public facilities a church and a mosque with reports indicating that some religious items were carted away during the incident. In addition, several small-scale traders suffered losses, including farm produce and merchandise. Among the affected population are pregnant women, lactating mothers, school-going children, and elderly persons, with three individuals reported injured.
Meanwhile, the timely intervention of the Sierra Leone Police has led to the arrest of nine suspects, including seven from Batbai village and two from Suen village, who are currently in custody assisting with ongoing investigations.
Based on the needs assessment, NDMA disclosed that the affected households are in urgent need of food and non-food items, school materials, and shelter support, particularly zinc roofing sheets and nails, to aid recovery and resettlement.
The Agency assured that it will engage the Government of Sierra Leone, as well as local and international non-governmental organizations, to mobilize resources and provide timely humanitarian assistance to the victims. NDMA further emphasized that it will continue to monitor the situation closely and collaborate with relevant stakeholders as investigations into the incident continue.