The Savannah Regional Security Council (REGSEC), in a joint emergency meeting with the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District Security Council (DISEC), has directed the family of the late former Member of Parliament for the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba Constituency, Hon. Joseph Bayel Trumah, to suspend all funeral-related activities scheduled for January 16 to 18, 2026.
The directive was issued following the emergency meeting held on Friday, January 16, 2026, to assess the prevailing security situation in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District and adjoining areas.
According to a press release signed by the Savannah Regional Minister and Chairman of REGSEC, Hon. Salisu Be-Awuribe Issifu (Esq.), the decision was informed by intelligence gathered by state security agencies indicating a heightened risk of insecurity in the area.
The joint REGSEC–DISEC noted that the recent Gonja–Brifor conflict in parts of the Bole and Sawla-Tuna-Kalba districts has created a fragile security environment, which could potentially be aggravated by large public gatherings associated with the burial and funeral rites of the late former MP.
“Upon careful review of the security situation and assessment of the causes of the recent conflict, the Joint REGSEC–DISEC has directed the family of the late Hon. Joseph Bayel Trumah to put on hold all activities and preparations towards the performance of the funeral for further engagements,” the statement said.
The security councils explained that the suspension is a preventive measure aimed at maintaining peace and preventing any possible breach of security within the district and the wider Savannah Region.
Hon. Joseph Bayel Trumah, a former Member of Parliament for the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba Constituency, passed away in late 2025 after a short illness. He was widely respected for his contributions to political development and social cohesion in the constituency and across the Savannah Region.
His death was formally announced by the family with funeral arrangements initially slated for mid-January 2026 in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District.
However, recent tensions arising from inter-ethnic disputes in the area have raised security concerns, prompting the intervention of regional and district security authorities.
REGSEC assured the public that further consultations will be held with the family and relevant stakeholders to determine an appropriate and safe way forward for the burial and funeral rites of the late former legislator.
Residents of the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District have been urged to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as efforts continue to preserve peace and stability in the area.
Source: Nkilgi FM
