By Mohamed Thullah
Sierra Leone Police have launched an investigation into the killing of a lecturer at the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS), the University of Sierra Leone, authorities said on Tuesday.
Police said the incident occurred at around 2300 GMT on Feb. 8 at the residence of the deceased in Goderich, a western suburb of the capital, Freetown.
In a statement, the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) said preliminary investigations indicate that a minor identified as Goodluck Nicol, described by police sources as the adopted son of the deceased, has been arrested and is being detained at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
The suspect allegedly confessed to striking the lecturer on the head with a pestle, police said. Authorities did not disclose the age of the minor and said investigations are ongoing.
The SLP clarified that the incident was not a robbery, countering earlier reports on social media that suggested unknown assailants had attacked the victim and taken valuables, including electronic devices.
The deceased was identified by local media as Valentina Bisodun Catherine Kamanda (née Nicol), a matron and lecturer in the Faculty of Nursing at COMAHS. Her death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, students and members of the nursing profession, who described her as a dedicated educator and healthcare worker.
Members of the Sierra Leone Nurses Association and church congregants at Zion Praise Tabernacle Church in Hill Station, where she worshipped, expressed shock and grief over her death, according to local reports.
The killing has sparked public concern over safety in residential communities, with some civil society groups and citizens calling for swift and transparent investigations.
Police extended condolences to the family, colleagues and loved ones of the deceased and said they would update the public as more information becomes available.
Investigations are continuing.
