The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has condemned the alleged assault of Ishmail Stanley Bangura, Production Manager of Hope FM 93.3 in Makeni, and called for the immediate return of two mobile phones allegedly seized during the incident.
In a press release dated 12 October 2026, SLAJ said Bangura was allegedly attacked on Friday, 2 October, at the All Peoples Congress (APC) District Office on Field Road in Makeni, Bombali District, while covering a reported dispute between rival factions within the party.
According to a complaint received by the association, Bangura visited the office at about 2:30 p.m. after receiving information about the fracas. He reportedly observed what appeared to be vandalism at the premises and began documenting the scene using a phone belonging to Hope FM 93.3.
SLAJ said Bangura was subsequently confronted by a group of men who allegedly punched him despite his identification as a journalist on duty. During the incident, an iPhone 12 Pro Max belonging to the radio station and his personal iPhone XR were reportedly taken from him. The association said both phones remained in the custody of the alleged perpetrators at the time of the statement.
Following the incident, Bangura was reportedly rescued and taken to the Rogbanch Police Division, where he lodged a formal complaint, obtained a medical form and gave a statement to the investigating officer.
While acknowledging the initial steps taken by the police, SLAJ expressed concern over the alleged assault and continued withholding of the phones, describing the incident as a threat to journalists carrying out their professional duties.
The association called on the Sierra Leone Police to conduct a thorough, impartial and expeditious investigation, recover and return the phones, and ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable. It also urged the police to protect Bangura against possible intimidation, threats or harassment arising from his complaint.
SLAJ further called on the APC leadership to publicly dissociate itself from the alleged incident and urge its supporters and marshals to respect journalists and their work. The association stressed that journalists should not be treated as political opponents for reporting on party activities.
In an interview with SLAJ Secretary General Edward Farah Marah, APC Bombali District Chairman Emmanuel Alie Kargbo, popularly known as Alie General, reportedly denied knowing whether the alleged attackers were his supporters but said he could not rule out the possibility that they were APC supporters.
SLAJ President Alhaji Manika Kamara reiterated that the safety of journalists and press freedom must be respected by political parties and their supporters.
“No journalist should be assaulted, threatened, or obstructed for covering political events, regardless of faction or party,” Kamara said.
He added that attacks on journalists and the seizure of media equipment undermine press freedom and the work of the media.
SLAJ said it would continue monitoring the case until the phones are returned and those responsible are held accountable, stressing that journalists must be able to carry out their duties safely in Makeni and across Sierra Leone.