A horrific incident unfolded in the rural commune of Koulé, Guinea, on September 19, 2026, when Prophet Thomas, a local religious figure, was assassinated, and his daughter was severely injured. The attacks were perpetrated by Ernest Koulemou, who first attacked the prophet's residence, injuring his wife and causing fatal injuries to their daughter. Authorities, including the mayor and his deputies, rushed to the scene upon being alerted by the local medical center.
The attack at the prophet's residence was described as a "carnage" by Foromo Kolié, the third vice-mayor of Koulé. Upon arrival, they found the daughter with severe abdominal injuries, including exposed intestines. The attackers had also left two liters of gasoline and cannabis at the scene. An investigation revealed that the assailant was hooded when he entered the residence.
Due to the severity of the daughter's condition, an emergency evacuation to N'Zérékoré Hospital was initiated. The ambulance, carrying the daughter, Prophet Thomas, the driver, and the mayor, was ambushed around 23:00 near a bridge crossing the Oulé River. The attacker, this time dressed in military attire and heavily armed, blocked the vehicle. The driver attempted to defend himself, and Prophet Thomas identified the attacker as the one who had stabbed his daughter.
During the ambush, Prophet Thomas was fatally stabbed multiple times after identifying his attacker. The mayor intervened to save the prophet but also sustained knife wounds. The attacker fled the scene, leaving the victims. Prophet Thomas succumbed to his injuries shortly after.
A massive manhunt was launched immediately following the ambush, and by September 21, 2026, at around 07:00, Ernest Koulemou was apprehended in his village, Kerema. The suspect was recognized by the injured mayor and is currently in the custody of the gendarmerie. Koulemou reportedly confessed to killing two people during the attacks.
The motivations behind Koulemou's actions remain unclear, and investigators are working to uncover the reasons behind this brutal incident. The local community is in shock, and authorities are urging calm while assuring that those responsible will face justice.
The condition of the daughter is still critical, and updates on her health are not readily available. The incident has sparked widespread concern and calls for increased security measures in the region to prevent such heinous acts in the future.
Key points
- Prophet Thomas was assassinated during the medical evacuation of his critically injured daughter.
- The suspect, Ernest Koulemou, was arrested on September 21, 2026, and reportedly confessed to the crimes.
- The motivations behind the attacks are still under investigation.
