By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara
A somber mood has gripped the motorbike transport community across Sierra Leone following the alleged killing of a commercial rider in Bombali District over a dispute involving “master money” a long-standing payment system between bike owners and riders.
The victim, identified as a young man whose name is being withheld pending police investigations, reportedly died after a confrontation escalated between him and individuals connected to his motorbike ownership arrangement. The incident, which occurred earlier this month, has once again drawn national attention to the fragile relationship between bike owners and their riders a relationship often marked by economic pressure, mistrust, and exploitation.
According to Mr. Abdulai Kamara, the Bombali District Secretary General of the Sierra Leone Commercial Motor Bike Riders Union, the deceased was an active member of the union and “a hardworking youth trying to make ends meet.” He confirmed that two suspects are currently in police custody as investigations continue.
The burial, held on October 7th, 2025, drew hundreds of mourners, including district and regional union executives, local authorities, and fellow riders. Many attendees expressed outrage over what they described as an “avoidable tragedy,” urging the government and union leadership to address systemic issues fueling frequent disputes in the sector.
For many commercial riders, “master money” is a symbol of both opportunity and hardship. The arrangement allows unemployed youths to access motorbikes on a hire-purchase basis, but the repayment conditions often become a source of tension. Rising maintenance costs, daily operational risks, and unclear ownership agreements have led to repeated clashes between owners and riders nationwide.
In a statement, the national leadership of the Riders Union condemned the act of violence, urging all members to remain calm and uphold peace. “Violence should never be the answer to any dispute,” the statement read. “We stand for fairness, respect, and humanity.”
The union also reaffirmed its commitment to promoting dialogue and lawful conflict resolution mechanisms within the transport industry. It has called for stronger regulation and clearer contractual frameworks to prevent future incidents.
Meanwhile, police in Bombali have pledged a thorough investigation. “We are treating this as a criminal matter, and the suspects will face due process,” a police spokesperson confirmed.
As Sierra Leone’s commercial motorbike sector continues to provide livelihood for thousands of youths, the Bombali tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for reform, education, and accountability. For many riders, justice for their fallen colleague is not only about punishment it is about ensuring that no other young life is lost to a system that should empower, not destroy.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday, 17th October 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
