According to the reports, the victim was travelling in a convoy of vehicles with flagbearer contender and former Party Chairman and Leader, John Oponjo Benjamin, when he was attacked and killed. The convoy had just left a meeting in Kenema Town with other senior stakeholders called to resolve a longstanding impasse over the leadership of the party’s Kenema District organization. The reports further stated that the convoy had noticed that it was being followed by an unknown group, and stopped to assess the situation. It was during this time that it was violently attacked, and Daddy George stabbed and thereafter rushed to hospital where he died.

SLPPNA condemns in strongest terms the killing of an innocent and defenseless party member at the hands of another member in this brutal and senseless attack. We are shocked and deeply saddened that such a violent and deadly attack on a fellow party member could occur on the heels of a reconciliation meeting convened to advance the achievement of peace and unity in the SLPP Kenema family.

SLPPNA understands that the perpetrator has been apprehended and is in custody. We urge the authorities to leave no stone unturned in seeking others that might be involved in this heinous act and in ascertaining whether this was premeditated murder. SLPPNA also calls on the relevant law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies to ensure those responsible are swiftly brought to justice.

We also call on the leadership of the SLPP to conduct a prompt, thorough, and transparent investigation into this tragic incident and to take urgent steps to (i) ensure tensions do not escalate further and (ii) put an end to the increasing culture of impunity that has led to repeated acts of intra-party violence from some quarters. SLPPNA stands ready to support the leadership towards this end.