A longstanding boundary dispute between Great Harvest Evangelical Ministries and a nearby mosque at Blackhall Road, Freetown, has reportedly escalated into violence, leaving senior church elder Rashid Carew seriously injured and raising concerns about his safety and future in the community.
Carew’s alleged assault on Thursday, January 29, 2026, has intensified fears that the dispute could expose him to further intimidation, violence or possible retaliation, particularly given claims that he had repeatedly reported incidents involving the church premises to the police.
According to an eyewitness, the incident occurred at approximately 9:45 p.m., when Carew was allegedly attacked by individuals associated with the mosque and struck with a stick. He was reportedly left lying helplessly on the ground near the church premises before being rescued by church members and taken inside the church compound for safety.
The eyewitness said she had reportedly overheard members of the mosque and their sympathisers at the scene discussing Carew’s previous confrontations with them. According to her account, they referred to two earlier incidents involving his preaching of Christianity in the community using a microphone, as well as the pasting of notices advertising church activities on residents’ fence walls and billboards within the community. She also alleged that Carew had repeatedly reported to the police claims that stones were being thrown at the church during services, alongside the ongoing land dispute.
The eyewitness said the situation could have resulted in more serious consequences had church members not intervened. Carew was reportedly hospitalised in critical condition following the incident.
The confrontation allegedly arose from previous disagreements involving Carew’s Christian preaching within the community, the posting of church activity notices on fence walls and billboards, repeated police complaints concerning alleged stone-throwing incidents, and a land dispute over an access road and the boundary separating the two religious institutions.
On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, members of the mosque allegedly demolished a makeshift zinc structure belonging to the church and erected a fence extending into an area that church members claim forms part of their property.
The following evening, police officers reportedly arrived at the scene after the matter was brought to their attention again. Several individuals were allegedly arrested, but tensions increased when other individuals reportedly resisted the arrests and threw stones and other objects at the officers. Police personnel were said to have sought shelter inside the church compound while awaiting reinforcements.
A church member told this newspaper that the congregation had experienced repeated intimidation and fear since the church was established in the community. She alleged that stones had been thrown towards the church during Wednesday, Friday and Sunday worship services.
She further alleged that, during one revival service, a large group of mosque members forcefully entered the church to demand that the congregation lower the volume of its speakers and drums. According to her, the matter was reported to the police and brought to the attention of relevant religious bodies, but no concrete resolution had been achieved.
The allegations are particularly concerning because, according to the eyewitness, Carew had repeatedly raised complaints about the alleged stone throwing incidents and the boundary dispute. These claims have prompted concerns about whether his role in reporting the alleged incidents could expose him to further hostility.
Authorities at Ross Road Police Station reportedly confirmed that several arrests had been made in connection with the confrontation. The alleged offences included resisting arrest, causing injury, and the destruction or vandalism of church property. Police investigations were said to be continuing.
The precise circumstances surrounding the alleged assault, the identities and roles of those involved, and the legal status of the competing property claims remain matters for the relevant authorities to establish.
For Carew, the reported attack has raised serious questions about his ability to remain safely within the community while the dispute remains unresolved. Concerns have also been expressed about the safety of his family and the possibility of further confrontation or retaliation.
However, at the time of publication, this newspaper had not independently established whether Carew had received specific threats following the incident, whether he had formally requested police protection, or whether any alleged threat to his family had been communicated directly to him.
A legally minded conflict resolution expert described the allegations as serious and warned that unresolved disputes involving religious institutions could undermine peaceful coexistence. The expert referred to Section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act, 1861, while emphasising that any criminal liability would depend on the evidence and the outcome of appropriate legal proceedings.
The expert also warned that failure to address the dispute impartially could deepen resentment and increase the risk of further violence between the two congregations.
The case has renewed calls for an impartial investigation into the alleged assault, effective protection for anyone facing a credible threat, and a lawful resolution of the disputed boundary. Religious leaders, community representatives and law enforcement authorities have been urged to intervene before the situation deteriorates further.
No representative of the mosque was available to provide a response to the allegations before publication. The mosque’s account, along with any response from individuals accused of involvement, remains important to a complete and balanced report.
As investigations continue, Carew’s alleged assault underscores the importance of ensuring that individuals can report suspected wrongdoing and participate in religious activities without fear of violence or intimidation.
For Carew, the central concern is whether he can safely continue his life and religious activities in the community while the allegations and property dispute remain unresolved. His fears, if supported by credible evidence, would require serious attention from the relevant authorities.
The facts surrounding the incident, the responsibility of any individuals involved, and the appropriate measures needed to safeguard those at risk must now be determined through a fair investigation and lawful procedures.