Riots erupt in Freetown, Sierra Leone
Riots have erupted in Freetown, Sierra Leone between Okada riders and the Sierra Leone Police. Businesses, shops, markets, etc., have closed and traffic is coming to a standstill at major junctions with everyone trying to get out of the streets and home. (Photo: previous Okada accident in Freetown)
It transpires that an okada rider met his demise today as he was riding through the ‘no okada zone’ (restricted area) of Krootown Road and Guy Street when the Okada Task Force that is placed in strategic areas and the police on foot chased the Okada rider up Guy Street where allegedly the rider’s clothing got attached to a large truck travelling on the same street and dragged his body under the truck crushing his skull.
Scene of the accident
The heavy truck and okada bike involved in accident
Youths transferring the body of the Okada rider to State House
Youths were carrying the body to State House in protest but then got diverted and are making their way to Connaught Hospital.
Riots on the street
Okada riders in collaboration with some youths are gathering in their numbers at various major junctions in Freetown and causing havoc in the streets, and the Sierra Leone Police are disappearing into the shadows!
As a group of police got ambushed by youths, one police officer got separated and took refuge for safekeeping in a house on Steward Street. He was only able to return to the street upon wearing a yellow shirt to hide his identify as a police officer.
This is a dangerous situation unfolding in the city, particularly with the current Ebola health crisis.
Update to follow.
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Sally Joshua
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leaders need to be accountable to the people, not the other way round
5th January 2015