By Kadiatu A. Turay

A recent robbery incident in Kerry Town has raised concerns over police responsiveness and operational efficiency, prompting widespread public outcry. On the night of September 20, a group of armed assailants stormed several residences in the quiet coastal area, leaving victims traumatized and locals questioning the adequacy of law enforcement in the community.

Eyewitnesses recount a horrifying ordeal, with victims being held at gunpoint and robbed of personal belongings, including cash, jewelry, and electronic devices. Residents reported the incident to the police shortly after the attackers fled, but the response from law enforcement was delayed, which some believe allowed the criminals to evade capture.

“I called the police immediately, but it took them over an hour to arrive,” stated one resident, visibly shaken. “By the time they got here, the robbers were long gone. We were left feeling vulnerable and abandoned.”

This incident has sparked debate over the effectiveness of the local police force in handling serious crimes, particularly in more remote areas like Kerry Town. Concerns about inadequate staffing, slow response times, and insufficient resources have all been highlighted as potential causes for the apparent lapses.

Local community leaders have expressed frustration, calling for immediate reforms. “The police need to be better equipped and trained to deal with such situations,” said a spokesperson for the Kerry Town Residents’ Association. “The safety of the people should be their top priority, and that’s not what we are seeing right now.”

In response to the criticism, the police have acknowledged the delay but defended their actions, citing logistical challenges. According to a spokesperson from the local police division, the officers were dispatched as soon as the robbery was reported, but poor road conditions and the lack of patrol vehicles hampered their response time.

While law enforcement personnel have claimed that they are conducting investigations to apprehend the suspects, many residents remain sceptical. Some have taken to social media to voice their displeasure, with many calling for the government to take a more active role in strengthening security in the area.

The Kerry Town robbery has put a spotlight on broader issues of police efficiency in rural parts of Sierra Leone. The need for infrastructural improvements, better training, and increased resources for the police force has never been more urgent. Many are left wondering how long they will have to live in fear before tangible changes are made.

As investigations continue, both the police and government are under growing pressure to reassure the public and take concrete steps to prevent future incidents of this nature from occurring.