Name of amputee: Yeanor Kanu

Chiefdom/District: Lebiesaygahun, Bombali District
Place amputated: Masebra
Date amputated: 1998
Story relating to amputation

We were sleeping when we heard loud knocks on our doors. The rebels ordered us to come out of our houses saying: ‘You bastards come out’. They broke into my room drag me out and amputated my hands.

 

Name of amputee: Ibrahim Wai

Chiefdom/District: Kakua, Bo District
Place amputated: Bo
Date amputated: 23 January 1999
Story relating to amputation

The rebels ordered me and my junior brother to open the door to the house. They threatened that if we fail to do so they will set the house on fire. When we opened the door, they demanded four hundred thousand leones from us. We told them we do not have any money. As a result, we were thoroughly beaten up. One of them said he knew both of us. I was dragged and amputated.

 

Name of amputee: Aruna BahChiefdom/District: Western Area
Place amputated: Freetown
Date amputated: 19 January 1999
Story relating to amputation

The RUF rebels and the AFRC renegade soldiers met us at Sugar Shark, Kissy Dockyard. We were fourteen in number. Thirteen were killed by firing squad one after the other after they were interviewed. I was amputated and given a message for then President Kabbah.

 

Name of amputee: Alimamy Kanu

Chiefdom/District: Biriwa, Bombali District
Place amputated: Madobo
Date amputated: 7 May 1998
Story relating to amputation

On the 7 May 1998, at about half past four in the morning, I was in my village when we saw a group a people attack the village. They set houses on fire. Four of us - including my cousin called Santos - were arrested and amputated. They told us that President Kabbah has ordered a ship load of artificial limbs for us. The others were taken away.

 

 

Name of amputee: Abu Sesay

Chiefdom/District: Port Loko District
Place amputated: Buya Romende
Date amputated: 1999
Story relating to amputation

They asked me for money. I told them I do not have a cent on me. They got furious and raped my wife before my own eyes. After which they shot my left foot and hit my left hand with a machete. It took nearly a month before I was taken to the Connaught hospital in Freetown.

Name of amputee: Sayrah Sesay

Chiefdom/District: Koinadugu District
Place amputated: Kondenbia
Date amputated: 19 May 1998
Story relating to amputation

My hand was amputated on 19 May 1998 at Kondenbia village by the RUF rebels and the AFRC renegade soldiers. They surrounded the village, burnt down houses and showed no mercy for us the civilians. They told us: ‘You say you do not want a soldier government, we are going to teach you a lesson for that’.

 

Name of amputee: Kumba Gbetu

Chiefdom/District: Sowa, Kono District
Place amputated: Wodu, Tankoro
Date amputated: 1996
Story relating to amputation

We were woken at 5 o’clock in the morning by rebels banging our doors. We were ordered out and lined up for amputation.

 

Name of amputee: Mohamed Macauley

Chiefdom/District: Bonthe District
Place amputated: Between Tihun Sogbinie and Kailie Sogbine
Date amputated: 1995
Story relating to amputation

We were in school in Matru Jong when we heard that the rebels had attacked Sierra Rutile. The whole town was gripped by panic and people decided to flee. I decided to flee too, to my village, Tihun Sogbinie. On my way I ran into a rebel ambush. I was caught and amputated.

Name of amputee: Kumba Momoh

Chiefdom/District: Kono District
Place amputated: Gbeko, Tankoro
Date amputated: 1998
Story relating to amputation

When we heard that the rebels were planning to attack our area, we decided to hide in the bush but they followed and captured us. We were lined up and amputated