Donald Samba Kargbo is being hunted by ‘Poro’ members in Makanbary village, PortLoko district, Northern Sierra Leone.
Donald’s late father, Zechariah Kargbo was head of ‘Poro’ in the said village and customary practice demands that Donald takes over ‘Poro’ leadership upon the death of his father.
He is expected to go through elaborate ‘Poro’ rituals to become a member.
‘Poro’ secret society is crucial to the country’s local tribes from time immemorial.
In the Pre-colonial period, the education at the ‘Poro’ bush was very important as young boys were trained in medicine, respect for elders and most importantly local warfare.
‘Poro’ is thus seen as a rite of passage from childhood into adulthood.
In most communities in Sierra Leone, the first son of any ‘Poro’ leader is expected to step in to the shoes of his late father.
As it stands, Donald seems quite ready to break away from tradition as he is in no mood to go into the ‘Poro’ bush and replaced his father.
He sees the society as primitive, crude and non-beneficial.
A family source indicated that Donald’s predicament started in early November, 2019 when he left Freetown for Makanbary to witness the burial ceremony of his late father.
On his arrival at the said village, the source explained, that Donald requested to see his late father’s remains so that he could pay his last respect.
The source also narrated that Donald’s uncle, Amadu Kargbo replied him that it was not permissible to see the remains, but promised to tell him the reason later.
Later, the source went on, Donald’s uncle informed him that he had been nominated to take over ‘Poro’ leadership and traditional medicine left behind by his late father.
“As the firstborn of your late father, customary practice demands that you go through traditional rites of ‘Poro’ upon the death of your father to occupy his position,” the source quoted Donald’s uncle.
The source also told this medium that Donald replied to his uncle that his religion frowned at such a crude and primitive practice.
The source further explained that Donald was in the said village waiting for the seven-day ceremony of his late father when he dreamt a terrible nightmare, and some unusual things befell him.
After he woke up in the morning, the source continued, Donald explained the dream to his uncle who interpreted that the ‘gods’ were pleased with him to go into the ‘Poro’ and replace his late father.
The source indicated that Donald still maintained his position of not going into the ‘Poro’ society.
Late evening, the source said, Donald was in the house when his uncle called him outside.
The source explained that Donald came out in response to his uncle’s call when he was grabbed and forcefully taken into the ‘Poro’ bush for initiation.
“He fought to free himself from them, but he was overpowered,” the source narrated.
From that time, the source said, ‘Poro’ members had been on the look out for Donald who they are determined to initiate at all cost if seen.