BY DONALD THEO-HARDING
232NEWS, FREETOWN
From time to time, pests and rodents can become overwhelming to a home owner, tenant or landlords. These may include bedbugs, cockroaches and or rats. These uninvited guests may cause embarrassment to the host, especially rats. They will wait until one has a guest then they will tend to sneak a peek at the guest making sure that they are noticed as part of the family. The rat population, especially in Sierra Leone has become a constant source of frustration for its residents. These rodents seemed to be everywhere, invading homes, offices, and stores, causing havoc wherever they went. They were notorious for their ability to chew through anything in their path – papers, wood, clothing, and even money hidden away in supposedly secure places. It was no wonder that the city was flooded with hawkers selling rat-killing pesticides, promising relief from the relentless infestation.
Amidst this chaos, there was an individual who had chosen to adopt the name Arata. Unsurprisingly, this name became synonymous with the rat-like behavior that plagued the city. Arata was known for his alleged involvement in violence and unconventional behaviour, leaving a trail of victims in his wake. His actions had earned him a reputation as a troublemaker, and many believed that he was responsible for the misfortune that befell them.
However, the story took a dark turn when news spread that Arata had been brutally killed by unknown assailants. The city was left in shock, wondering who could have taken such drastic measures against him. Was it the people he had hurt, seeking revenge for their losses? Or was it the very pesticides sold by the hawkers, a twisted irony that the rat had fallen victim to the very means used to eradicate his kind?
The mystery surrounding Arata’s death has sparked intense speculation and debate among the city’s residents. Some argue that his demise is a result of his own actions, a consequence of the life he had chosen to lead. After all, if one willingly embraced the name of a rat, do they not deserve to face a similar fate? It was a case of giving a dog a bad name, they say.
Others, however, question the morality of such a brutal end. They ponder whether it is right to take justice into their own hands, regardless of the crimes committed. They wonder if there could have been a different way to deal with Arata, to rehabilitate him and give him a chance to change his ways.
As the city mourns the loss of Arata, it grapples with these conflicting emotions. The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities of human nature and the consequences of our actions. It highlights the need for compassion and understanding, even in the face of those who may have caused harm.
Ultimately, the question of who killed Arata remained unanswered, shrouded in the shadows of Sierra Leoneans. And perhaps, it was a question that would forever linger, a reminder of the choices we make and the impact they have on our lives and the lives of those around us.
