By: Amadu Ibrahim Mansaray
Port Loko, SIERRA LEONE – Following a video making rounds on social by an unknown individual stating that Sierra Leoneans must sit at home on Monday, 3rd July 2023, panic gripped residents of Port Loko City as many shops were closed and marketplaces empty.
While Awoko Newspaper was observing the situation, one of the few market women at Kondato market, in a conversation with her customer on why the market was empty as compared to normal days, stated that “Rumour is going around on social media that we are too sit at home today when I asked what is the reason there was no clear answer. I decided to come and do my business today because I did not hear anything like we are to sit at home today on the radio. Some of us survive from daily sales,” she disclosed to her customer.
However, Awoko engaged Abdul Koroma, one of the customers, and he said, “My wife is also a trader in this market. She is afraid to come and do her business today due to some misinformation on social media. As you can see, only a few market women are here today. This misinformation has also affected the prices of local commodities, and the traders have taken advantage of the opportunity. I’m advising all Sierra Leoneans to verify any information they listen to or see on social media, especially on WhatsApp. People are misusing this app for their selfish interest,” Koroma advised.
Moreover, there were few motorbikes in Northwestern City. AIM/4/7/2023
