Poro Society Declares Issa Bangura Wanted

The life of Issa Bangura, 36, is under serious threat following his open criticism of the Poro Secret Society, which has declared him wanted—dead or alive—whenever they set eyes on him. Issa’s troubles began when he refused to undergo initiation into the Poro, a male secret society known for its brutal rituals, including the extraction of blood from initiates. Additionally, his outspoken criticism of the practice has made him a target.
The incident, which occurred on January 15, 2022, caused a stir when members of the Poro Society stormed Issa’s home, demanding to see him, dead or alive. As a result, Issa’s whereabouts—formerly of the Rokupa Community in the eastern part of the Freetown municipality—remain unknown. A devout Muslim and member of the Jamatul Ethifak, Issa’s fate has become a mystery.
Issa is among many Muslims who view the Poro Secret Society as a dangerous practice that conflicts with their religious beliefs. However, according to tradition, he would have had to undergo the initiation in order to inherit his parents’ property, as they were both strong members of the society.
On one occasion, Issa was arrested and forcibly taken to the Poro camp for speaking out against the society. According to an anonymous source, Issa was tied to a tree, given a concoction to drink, and awaited the verdict of the society’s leader, ‘Pa’ Yamba,’ who was expected to carry out the initiation ritual. However, his childhood friend, Abu Tholley, helped him escape through a nearby bush path to an undisclosed location. The source also revealed that after repeated rituals, Abu Tholley’s involvement in Issa’s escape was discovered, leading to his arrest and execution by the Poro Society for committing sacrilege.
Another anonymous source claims that the Poro Secret Society is notorious for its brutal practices, and those who speak out against it face severe punishment, sometimes execution. According to tradition, the punishment for such a crime is often death within the Poro camp.
The Poro Secret Society is widely criticized as barbaric and inhumane, with human rights organizations calling for its ban. However, due to the involvement of law enforcement officers in the society, many cases are quietly dismissed, and no action is taken.
Issa, who spoke to this media outlet via telephone from an undisclosed location, said that members of the Poro Society continue to pursue him, even threatening his family to force them to reveal his whereabouts. He stated that his life has been in constant danger since then.
Every year, during the initiation period, many young initiates lose their lives during the ritual, which demands the extraction of blood from participants, some as young as seven years old. These children are forced to undergo the cruel process as part of their transition into adulthood or to inherit their family’s property.