By Dadson A. Musa
In January of this year, a mysterious fire broke out in Batiama village, Kowa Chiefdom, Moyamba district, southern Sierra. Over twenty houses were gutted in the blazing inferno. And families lost their dwellings, household items and cash. The incident left the residents in shock and despair although no lives were lost. And through the intervention of Paramount Chief, Amy Tattor Kallon Tibbie, the Church of Jesus of Latter Saints provided relief items to affected families and this came after National Disaster Management Agency had earlier provided same to the victims. The items included foam mattresses, bags of rice, bundles of zinc, tarpaulin and condiments like salt, Maggie and sardines.
Speaking to the elders of the church and recipients of the relief items P. C. Amy Tattor Kallon Tibbie was very delighted and said “we are not only giving out relief items today, the 2nd. March 2025 but we are officially planting the church in Njama town, Kowa chiefdom.” Prior to this day they have been holding home cells within the chiefdom headquarter town. In consoling the fire victims one of the church elders from Freetown told them that ” we feel your plight that is why we are presenting this token so that you don’t lose hope and to enable you to get back to your feet quickly.” And prayers were offered for the victims also. A recipient of the relief items thanked the paramount chief and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“I am delighted that we have a paramount chief in the person of Amy Tattor Kallon Tibbie who has made it possible for us to receive relief items twice and in quick succession.” An observer remarked that in previous years fire victims went unattended to but that the story is different now. Fire disasters are likely to occur and spread in the dry season especially when temperatures are extreme now due to climate change. So, residents of the chiefdom were cautioned to treat the environment with care. Vote of thanks was given by one of the section chiefs of the chiefdom.