By Emma Black
A two-day-old infant tragically died after exposure to tear gas deployed by police at the Lifeline Nehemiah Compound in Kuntorlor, Freetown, on October 4, 2025 the child’s father, Alpha Bangura, confirmed. The incident occurred on Saturday, October 4, 2025, sparking widespread outrage and renewed concerns over allegations of excessive force by officers from the Barracks LUC, who have been involved in confrontations at the site over the past two days.
“When the police began firing tear gas at Lifeline Compound, I thought our home was far enough to avoid harm,” Bangura said. “But the police moved into residential areas and fired indiscriminately. My two-day-old baby suffocated and died as a result.”
The grieving family and community leaders are demanding full accountability and urgent measures to prevent further tragedies.
The incident stems from a heated land dispute at the Kuntorlor community, where the Lifeline Nehemiah Project has raised alarm over attempts to seize its property at the Approved School site. The organization states that the property is vital for the education and well-being of over 900 children from more than 30 schools who rely on the field for sports and extracurricular activities.
Executive Director Prince Tommy Williams told journalists that, despite a court injunction and confirmation from the Ministry of Lands affirming Lifeline’s ownership, individuals allegedly led by Mohamed Tunde Macathy (alias Tumac) have continued efforts to take over the land, reportedly with police backing. Williams also criticized the Ministry of Social Welfare, citing plans to construct a Skills Training Centre for Persons with Disabilities on the disputed site.
Responding to the allegations, an unnamed police officer defended the deployment, stating, “We are under command to protect the land,” without addressing claims of excessive force or civilian casualties.
The tragic death of the newborn has intensified calls from the public and civil society groups for transparent investigation, justice for the victim, and stricter measures to ensure community safety in land disputes.
The Lifeline Nehemiah Project continues to warn that any further escalation threatens the safety and educational opportunities of hundreds of children in the community.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 8th October 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
