Police probe ritualistic killing in Buchanan

The Liberia National Police (LNP) says it is investigating the death of a 22-year-old woman, SiahTamba whose lifeless body was allegedly found in Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County.

LNP Spokesman Sam Collins told UNMIL Radio’s “Coffee Break” on Monday 9 January that residents of Buchanan were attributing the death of victim Siah to ritualistic killing. Mr. Collins says the alleged ritualistic killing took place on Friday, [6 January] in Buchanan; and that citizens were said to be linking the alleged ritualistic killing to some unidentified Nigerians.

He however told UNMIL Radio that so far, the investigation has no connection with the accused, adding that police investigators wanted to know the main person that was linked to the killing.
Mr. Collins says investigators have established that the deceased was an alleged sex worker, claiming that she did it for a living. Tough police are yet to establish whether the death is related to the deceased’s alleged trade.
Following reported demonstration in Buchanan over the incident, Mr. Collins says about 15 persons, who were among demonstrators that were demanding to know the cause of victim Siah’s death have been arrested and held in police custody.
He said a serious demonstration was staged in Buchanan last Friday characterized by alleged looting. Mr. Collins has however pleaded with Liberians to be calm and not take the law into their own hands, while assuring that the police will probe the case and justice will be done. He said whether the victim was a sex worker or not, she deserves justice and it will be done.

By Ethel A. Tweh-Editing by Winston W. Parley