‘Poro’ members are in a desperate search for Osman Saidu Bangura (Jr) whose whereabouts remain unknown at the moment. His mother Kumba Bangura and step-mother Dhoro Saio Kabba have been subjected to pressure by ‘Poro’ members to produce him.
Bangura ran away from Bathsint Village in Kamasondo Chiefdom in June, this year when he was approached by ‘Poro’ members to replace his late father, Saidu Bangura also known as Yamba ‘Anfare.’
By the ‘Poro’ name, Yamba’s father was the chief of society.
By tradition, Osman Saidu Bangura must step into his father’s shoes. Bangura’s escape is however seen as a complete break from tradition, a move completely resented by society members.
‘Poro’ is one of the most popular secret societies in Sierra Leone among local tribes.
In the old days, and now, it is considered as a rite of passage from boyhood into adulthood. Boys, during initiation, were taught warfare, hunting, fishing and respect for elders. Before the advent of Western education, knowledge and skills acquired in the ‘Poro’ bush were very important.
Osman Saidu Bangura (Jr)
In times of war, the ‘Poro’ members are obliged to defend their societies. In several communities, non-members are marginalised and treated with disrespect. A ‘Poro’ member enjoys several privileges to which non-members are not entitled.
It is extremely difficult and even impossible for non-members to hold chieftaincy and other leadership positions in their localities.
However, the process to become a ‘Poro’ member is deadly. One or two initiates, most times, pass away during initiation ceremonies, but such deaths are closely guarded secrets. Any attempt to divulge such information outside the ‘Poro’ result into terrible reprisals.