Tensions erupted in Port Loko last Saturday following the fatal shooting of Alusine Kamara, an okada (motorbike taxi) rider, by an Operational Support Division (OSD) police officer, Abubakrr Kamara, known as Ferguson. The incident led to a swift and professional response from the Port Loko police division, which prevented the situation from escalating into widespread violence.

Superintendent Ishmael Koroma, leading the Port Loko division, commended his team's handling of the crisis. Their intervention was crucial in averting potential chaos and significant loss of life and property. Resident Minister North West, Ambassador Umaru Bonn Wurie, praised the police for their effective action, acknowledging their role in maintaining peace.

The tragic incident began on Friday when Abubakrr Kamara allegedly stabbed and shot Alusine Kamara at the latter’s residence on Kambia Road. Reports suggest that the dispute was over financial issues related to the commercial use of Alusine’s motorbike by the officer. Neighbors, responding to the disturbance, found Alusine in a pool of blood in the officer’s room.

In the wake of the incident, young residents of Port Loko took to the streets in anger, threatening to burn down the police station and the residence of the Local Unit Commander. The volatile situation was diffused through the efforts of DSP Gibrilla Bangura, head of the OSD in Port Loko. Under Superintendent Koroma's guidance, Bangura deployed additional officers to disperse the enraged crowd of okada riders. Concurrently, key stakeholders, including Police Commissioner Manfred Williams, engaged with the leadership of the okada riders to negotiate a peaceful resolution.

Alusine Kamara was laid to rest on Thursday, May 16, in Port Loko. Meanwhile, Abubakrr Kamara has been detained and is currently under investigation at the Criminal Investigation Department in Freetown.

The quick and professional response by the Port Loko police has been widely lauded for preventing a potential escalation of violence, underscoring the importance of effective law enforcement and community engagement in maintaining order and safety.