Sierra Leone police said on Friday they have detained 39 pupils from several schools and a tertiary institution in the capital Freetown over alleged riotous conduct.
The arrests followed separate incidents that culminated along the Zonta By-Pass Road in Brookfields between 1:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m., the Freetown West Regional Police Command said.
Those detained are students from Collegiate School, Prince of Wales Secondary School, Albert Academy, National Pentecostal School, and the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM).
Police said the incidents caused panic among residents. All suspects remain in custody while investigations continue.
Assistant Inspector General of Police Sylvester M. N. Koroma visited Albert Academy and Prince of Wales Secondary School following the incidents, urging students and staff to maintain discipline and peaceful coexistence.
He also called on parents and guardians to monitor their children’s activities more closely, warning that disorderly behaviour among pupils was becoming a concern.
Police said those found culpable after investigations would be charged to court on Monday for riotous conduct and related public order offences.
Authorities have previously reported similar incidents involving pupils from some of the affected schools, often linked to student rivalries and gatherings that escalate into disorder.
