Kenema City, Eastern Province, February 6, 2026 – Following a devastating fire incident that occurred on 3 February 2026 at Nyapui School in Kenema City, which destroyed the top floor of the boarding home, the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) on 5 February 2026 provided emergency relief assistance to the affected school as part of its immediate response efforts.
The fire incident has had a significant impact on the welfare and academic stability of Nyapui School pupils, as the institution operates on a 100 percent boarding system. The destruction of the top floor of the boarding home displaced boarding pupils, disrupted their accommodation arrangements, and created psychosocial distress at a critical period in the school calendar.
The relief items, comprising food supplies, mattresses, and educational materials, were officially handed over to the Principal of Nyapui School, Madam Magdalene Belmoh, to support affected students and staff in the aftermath of the incident.
Expressing gratitude, Madam Belmoh thanked NDMA for its timely intervention and support. Speaking on the cause of the fire, she noted that the exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear. She disclosed that six female and two male security personnel were on duty at the time and commended their bravery in rescuing students from the affected building. She further acknowledged the vital role played by the NDMA Eastern Region team, community members, and parents, describing the rescue effort as “a concerted collective action.”
The Paramount Chief of Nongowa Chiefdom, Chief Sadua Kapuwa, described the fire outbreak as a significant disaster in Kenema City. He noted that Nyapui School is one of the leading girls’ schools in the district and expressed appreciation to NDMA for its swift support. He appealed to NDMA and its partners to continue assisting the school towards full recovery.
Similarly, the Chairperson of the Kenema District Council, Madam Francess Jambai, who also doubles as the Chairperson of the NDMA Kenema District Disaster Management Committee, expressed appreciation to NDMA for the timely provision of relief items. She cautioned that fire incidents often intensify during the dry season and urged residents to remain vigilant and proactive in fire prevention.
NDMA’s initial assessment of the incident reveals that a total of 15 students and one matron were affected by the fire. Four victims were initially unconscious, while another four have since been stabilised.
Speaking on behalf of NDMA, the Deputy Director General, Mr. Suleiman B. Sowa, said the Agency responded promptly due to the seriousness and urgency of the situation. He noted that while NDMA has provided immediate relief, additional support will be mobilised through partners. He called on the Paramount Chief to help facilitate the restoration of the school, particularly as examinations are fast approaching, and thanked the people of Kenema for their collective efforts in extinguishing the fire.
Mr. Joseph Agamga, representing SEND Sierra Leone, commended NDMA for its support to the affected students and pledged his organisation’s assistance towards the restoration of the school.
The Director of Relief and Response at NDMA, Mr. Sinneh Mansaray, explained that the NDMA team was in Kenema to conduct the initial response, noting that much of the follow-up work will be handled by the Regional Office. He added that NDMA has provided immediate life-saving assistance and that affected students will continue to receive support, including psychosocial services.
