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Sierra Leone: Inhaling Human Bones Prompt Friends Of The Dead Formation
A dangerous trend has emerged in Sierra Leone with youths now inhaling Human bones which is turning them to a shadow of themselves.
The weird happenings, Elanza News gathered, has led to the stealing of thousands of bones in different gaves.
Sierra Leone has been facing a harrowing issue that has shocked the nation and the world alike with the introduction of Kush, a means of getting people high.
The theft of human bones from graves and their subsequent inhalation by young people has given rise to a dangerous and alarming drug trend known as “Kush.”
Thousands of bones are being stolen from graves in Sierra Leone, with the sole purpose of inhaling the sulfur contained within them.
The practice, referred to as “Kush,” has gained popularity among young people, turning them into what has been described as “zombies.”
To create this deadly concoction, dry leaves are mixed with a cocktail of chemicals, resulting in a substance that is highly addictive and destructive.
Mixing it with human bones is now the order of the day with local authorities working hard to redeem the situation.
The Kush, when inhaled, the sulfur present in the stolen bones has the potential to induce a heightened state of euphoria.
This direct pathway to the brain makes the effects more potent, leading to a dangerous dependency that can quickly spiral out of control.
Medical experts in Sierra Leone have expressed grave concern over this emerging drug epidemic, warning that it may have far-reaching consequences.
Dr. Jusu Mathia, a renowned psychiatrist, has observed that the drug abuse problem in the country is constantly evolving, transforming young individuals into shadows of their former selves.
“The psychological and physical toll of inhaling these stolen bones is severe, with addiction and cognitive impairment being just the tip of the iceberg,” Mathia said.
In response to the rising number of bone thefts, some youths in the affected communities have taken matters into their own hands.
These individuals guarding the graves, known as “Friends of the Dead,” have formed groups to protect the graves.
Disturbed by the desecration of their loved ones’ resting places, they are determined to defend the sanctity of their cemeteries.
David Deen, a member of the Friends of the Dead, lamented the loss of over 2,000 stolen bones, leaving them with no choice but to take matters into their own hands.
Pundits say their dedication to preserving the dignity of the deceased is commendable, adding that a clear and comprehensive solution is urgently required.
“The issue of bone theft and the subsequent inhalation of sulfur among Sierra Leone’s youth demands immediate attention and action.
“The government, in collaboration with medical professionals, community leaders, and law enforcement agencies, must come together to address this growing drug epidemic,” said Sandy John.
According to him, education and awareness campaigns should be launched to inform both young people and the wider community about the dangers and consequences of engaging in such practices.
He also called for rehabilitation centers and counseling services to provide support and assistance to those struggling with addiction.
“Stricter laws and enforcement mechanisms should be put in place to deter bone theft and punish those involved in the production and distribution of Kush,” Martins Elijah said.
He added that there is the need for cooperation with international organizations and neighboring countries to help in curbing the cross-border trade of these stolen bones.
“The rise of the Kush phenomenon in Sierra Leone, where young people are inhaling stolen bones to achieve a dangerous high, is a distressing issue that requires immediate attention.
“The physical and psychological toll on the youth is alarming, and the potential for a full-blown drug epidemic is looming. It is crucial that all stakeholders come together to combat this growing crisis by implementing comprehensive solutions, raising awareness, and providing the necessary support systems,” another analyst, Caleb Ado said, “ adding that only through collective efforts can Sierra Leone hope to protect its youth and safeguard the sanctity of its graves.
The Honourable Minister of State for the Federal Ministry of Works, Muhammad Bello Goronyo, has appointed Comrade Salihu Dandata Mahmud as his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity.
The appointment, which takes effect from 1 May 2025, was announced on Thursday in a statement signed by the Minister’s Chief of Staff, Nafiu Hussaini Gobir.
“I am pleased to inform you of your appointment as Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to the Honourable Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Works,” the statement read, highlighting Mahmud’s “competence, experience, and commitment to media and public service” as the basis for his selection.
The statement read, “ will be responsible for managing and coordinating media relations for the Minister of State, developing and implementing publicity strategies, crafting official press statements and speeches, and liaising with media stakeholders to ensure accurate and positive coverage of the Ministry’s activities.
“You will also provide strategic advice on media and public engagement, aimed at boosting the Ministry’s visibility and public perception.
“Your appointment is tied to the tenure of the Honourable Minister of State and may be subject to termination at the discretion of the appointing authority.
“You are expected to demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism, confidentiality, and integrity in line with the Public Service Rules of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The internal leadership dispute within Nigeria’s Labour Party has taken a dramatic turn. Alhaji Bashiru Lamidi Apapa has boldly stepped forward to proclaim himself the Acting National Chairman of the party. This declaration, made during a press conference in Abuja, comes in the wake of a crucial Supreme Court judgement, which Apapa believes reinforces his authority to lead.
On Wednesday, Apapa addressed the media, stating that a Supreme Court verdict delivered on April 4, 2025, under Appeal No: CA/ABJ/CV/1217/2024 and Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1271/2024, has fundamentally changed the party’s leadership structure. He argued that the ruling invalidates all actions and leadership decisions taken by Barrister Julius Abure since April 2023.
Apapa didn’t mince words as he dissected the implications of the Supreme Court’s decision. According to him, the court firmly criticised the lower courts for meddling in matters beyond their jurisdiction, particularly issues related to the internal leadership of political parties. He claimed the apex court’s conclusion reinforced the long-standing principle that such matters are non-justiciable meaning they should not be decided by the judiciary.
Apapa interpreted this legal victory as a green light for his assumption of leadership. Referring to Article 14(2)(a)(b) of the Labour Party’s Constitution, he asserted that, as the most senior Deputy National Chairman, he has the constitutional right to take over as Acting National Chairman.
In his statement, Apapa also named Alhaji Farouk Umar Ibrahim as the Acting National Secretary, further solidifying the leadership changes within the party. He assured party members and the public that these appointments are in strict alignment with constitutional provisions and party regulations.
As part of this transition, Apapa revealed that the National Working Committee (NWC), reconstituted in 2022, will meet on Monday, April 14, 2025. This session will focus on outlining a fresh strategic direction for the party. One of the pivotal proposals includes the zoning of the National Chairmanship to the Northern region and the Secretary position to the Southern region.
Apapa emphasised that this new phase will prioritise genuine internal democracy. In what appears to be a direct critique of the previous leadership, he called for the immediate revival of the Board of Trustees (BoT), which he described as dormant for far too long. According to Apapa, reactivating the BoT is a vital step towards strengthening party governance and transparency.
Additionally, he announced a roadmap for conducting fresh congresses at every level from wards to the national tier. In an effort to uphold accountability, he clarified that only financial members will have the right to vote or be voted for in the forthcoming party elections.
On the same day as Apapa’s press conference, a rival faction aligned with the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and Abia State Governor Alex Otti, held a National Executive Council meeting.
Jubilation erupted among the Esther Nenadi Usman-led National Caretaker Committee on Wednesday, when Governor Alex Otti announced that they had officially received the Certified True Copy of last Friday’s Supreme Court judgment on the Labour Party’s leadership crisis.
While presenting the 48-page CTC before the Labour Party Stakeholders Engagement in Abuja, Otti emphasised that the document has put an end to the debate of misinterpretation of the verdict.
He said, “I want to say that we welcome the Supreme Court judgment of last Friday, which Certified True Copy just arrived a few minutes ago. The 48-page document was very clear in saying that it is all of you seated here that constitute the leadership of the party. I also want to make a point that we are law-abiding people.
“We sat on the 4th of September 2024 in Umuahia, where we unanimously elected a 29-man caretaker committee. Shortly after that exercise, our brothers, on the other side, went to court and got a judgment that pronounced them the leaders of the party.
“If we are not law-abiding, we would have started dragging the office. But we all said, since there was a court judgment, let us follow the process which ended last Friday.
“We expected that everybody who wants the survival of democracy and the progress of this country would have accepted that judgment. So you may not like the judgment, but you must obey it.”
In attendance were the LP presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi; the lawmaker representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Senator Victor Umeh; the Nigeria Labour Congress Political Commission, Prof Theophilus Ndubuaku; and the National Secretary of the Caretaker Committee, Senator Darlington Nwokocha.
Others include former LP chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo, members of the National Assembly, Abia State Assembly and chieftains of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, among others.
As Otti read out the excerpts of the document, the audience went into a rapturous applause.
He said, “The same issue submitted for determination is hereby jointly in favour of the appellants. And the appellants are Distinguished Senator Esther Nenadi Usman and Senator Darlington Nwokocha. In summary, both the trial courts and the one below have no jurisdiction to entertain the first respondent, Julius Abure.
“Consequent upon the foregoing, the decisions of both trial courts and the one below in recognising Julius Abure as the national chairman of the party is hereby set aside and struck out for want of jurisdiction. In the vein, the first respondent’s cross-appeal, being an offshoot of the same judgment of the courts below, is hereby dismissed.”
When he finished reading the CTC, the governor recalled how he tried to pacify Abure to step down and accept the role of the chairman of the LP Board of Trustees.
But Abure allegedly turned down the prospect, saying he wanted nothing.
“But I gave Abure some piece of advice, saying if I were you, I wouldn’t want to lead people who don’t want me as a leader. So we are still extending the olive branch to him and his former National Working Committee. The leadership of every party should be humble enough to leave at the expiration of their tenure.
“Before I am done, may I appeal to political parties and their members to endeavour to always allow their constitutions, regulations and rules to guide them in choosing their officers and candidates.
“That way, the incessant internal wrangling which always finds its way to court will be reduced. The leadership of every party should be humble enough to leave at the expiration of their tenure,” he said.
On his part, Obi applauded his supporters and Nigerians for being patient and standing solidly behind them.
The former Anambra governor announced that they would move straight to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission to update them about the presence of the CTC and have them replace Abure’s NWC.
He said, “As leaders and elected members of this great party, we are going to leave from here to INEC to submit this document (CTC) so that we can start the process.
“We will go there now and say, here are the documents from the court. This is our resolution. So can we now start the process of rebuilding with your cooperation.”