Killing stirs chaos in Lofa

Chaos erupted in Zorzor, Lofa County, forcing women and children to flee for their lives amidst alleged sounds of gunfire on Thursday, 14 June in retaliation to the killing of a lady by a man only identified as Ballah.

Sources say angry protesters set roadblocks in a hot encounter with police in the county, demanding officers to turn over Ballah to the aggrieved parties. Sources say prior to the arrival of riot officers from the Police Support Unit (PSU) of the Liberia National Police (LNP) on the scene for reinforcement, county – based officers assigned in the area including their commander went into hiding as chaos intensified.

The officers were said to be overwhelmed by the protesters, but situation came under control following the arrival of PSU officers dispatched to the scene.

Police Spokesman Moses Carter confirmed the report in an interview with journalists on Friday, 15 June at the LNP Headquarters in Monrovia, but he did not speak to claims of gunfire.

Mr. Carter confirms that there was a blockade set up after a man allegedly murdered a lady in an “out – of – coverage town” in Zorzor District on Thursday. As a result of the killing, Mr. Carter says a mob sprung out on Friday in revenge of the death of the female.

According to him, the suspect ran to police for his life when tension ensued in Zorzor after the killing of the female. He says to prevent mob action against suspect Ballah, police immediately transferred him (suspect) to Salayea.

According to Mr. Carter, what the police gathered is that the deceased and the suspect had an ongoing relationship, which is yet to be established. The incident in Lofa came just the same day another killing incident was reported from the SKD Sports Complex Community in Paynesville early Thursday morning, 14 June this time with a girl allegedly stabbing her boyfriend to death.

The victim, Mr. Morris N. Johnson II was an employee of the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP). He was said to have been stabbed to death by suspect Abul Pinky.

These latest killings add to stories of couples engaging in knife battle leading to fatality here. On April 7 this year, a middle-aged man identified as Lassana Kenneth, allegedly stabbed his 24 year-old spouse, Princess Boe to death in a horrible manner at their Peace Island Community in Jacob Town, Paynesville outside Monrovia.

The victim’s housemates and other closed neighbors at the time appeared to be mute on what may have sparked the incident. But the late Princess’ uncle, Mr. James Sokoyah narrated to this paper that the victim was discovered dead in a pool of blood after suspect Kenneth allegedly stabbed her at about 10pm on Saturday, 7 April. There have been several reports of men stabbing their girlfriends to death during fights, especially from the Central Liberian city of Gbarnga in Bong County.

By Winston W. Parley