Tension gripped residents of Koidu City on Sunday evening after a domestic dispute between two brothers escalated into a fatal stabbing at Kania Old Market. The tragic incident, which occurred at approximately 6:00 p.m. on 22 February 2026, has left the local community in shock and prompted a police investigation.
The deceased has been identified as Aiah Abu Sorie, while the prime suspect is his younger brother, Fengai Abu Sorie. According to accounts from traders and residents present at the busy marketplace, what began as a heated verbal disagreement between the siblings quickly spiraled into physical confrontation. Witnesses say the argument drew attention from nearby traders who initially believed it to be a routine family dispute.
However, the situation reportedly intensified when a knife was produced during the altercation. Despite efforts by bystanders to separate the two men, Aiah Abu Sorie sustained a critical stab wound. Panic spread rapidly across the market as onlookers scrambled for safety while others attempted to assist the injured victim.
Aiah was immediately rushed to the Government Hospital in Koidu for emergency treatment. Medical personnel made efforts to stabilize him upon arrival, but he was later pronounced dead. Hospital authorities are expected to conduct a postmortem examination to determine the precise medical cause of death.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about conflict resolution within families and the ease with which disputes can turn deadly. Market women and traders at Kania Old Market described the scene as chaotic, noting that many customers fled the area as rumors circulated about the severity of the attack. Business activities were temporarily disrupted as fear and confusion engulfed the trading center.
Local law enforcement authorities have since intervened and launched a formal investigation to establish the exact sequence of events leading to the fatal encounter. While preliminary reports suggest the altercation was personal in nature, investigators are working to determine whether there were underlying issues that may have contributed to the violence.
Community leaders in Kono District have appealed for calm and restraint as the investigation unfolds. They have also urged residents to avoid speculation and allow the police to carry out their work professionally. Some residents have called for strengthened community mediation mechanisms to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The tragedy underscores the devastating consequences of unresolved disputes and has left many in the Koidu community mourning the loss of a life under deeply distressing circumstances. Authorities are expected to provide further updates as investigations progress.
