By Richmond B Tholley
In a significant turn of events, the Local Unit Commander of the Mile 91 Police Division, Chief Superintendent of Police, Michael J.K Lagga on January 25th, 2024, ended a peace tour he embarked on in all of the Poro society bushes in native Yoni Chiefdom, Tonkolili District.
And he’s the first Local Unit Commander in Mile 91 with such initiative to foster a peaceful co-existence among local people in his operational areas.
During every dry season especially from December to March, members of the male dominated Poro society in Yoni Chiefdom will hold their ceremonies to initiate new members into the society, and the traditional process (s) is/are normally backed by a plethora of rites.
As the commander of the area, LUC Lagga said going around preaching peace inside the Poro society bushes is something that is of security impact because the majority of the males in those bushes are not only stakeholders in their communities but also have a voice and command respect among their people.
Also, CSP Lagga noted secret societies play an integral part in our local communities and must be included or targeted when discussing peace and security.
During his tour, the Local Unit Commander emphasized the need for peace and cohesion among community people inside and outside the society bushes.
Among the places he visited were Roruks, Roniatta, and Petifu Kafollamasa, all in the Yoni Mamaila Chiefdom, and some Poro bushes around Mile 91.
The LUC warned heads of the secret society to refrain from coercing others to join their society for peace to reign. As members of the Poro society, Lagga advised they must also see themselves as partners in development and help support the police to reduce crime.
As law enforcers, he disclosed they hold secret societies in high esteem and urged them to caution their members to be law-abiding because the Poro society bush must be a training ground for young men to take up leadership roles.
While going about their traditional ceremonies, he called on the leadership to respect the rights of others and to ensure that their activities do not halt education in communities.
As a member of the society, Lagga stated he was impressed with the respect shown to him in all of the Poro society bushes he visited
He also warned nonmembers to respect the traditions of the land for a peaceful coexistence.
LUC Lagga’s initiative is widely praised around and outside Yoni Chiefdom because this is the first time a commander of that Division has done such marvelous work.
Even the leadership of the Poro society in the Chiefdom expressed happiness and described the LUC as a true friend of Yoni Chiefdom.
