MONROVIA-Liberia is in throes of fear and chaos over what is described as unprecedented upsurge in gruesome deaths of citizens of all sexes across the country. The extent to which these macabre deaths are occurring is said to have overwhelmed security forces capacity and even brightened lights on the government’s shortcomings in curbing what is referred to as unending trend and cycle of deaths.
Two days after a young man, a motorcyclist, was gruesomely murdered in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, chaos subsequently erupted in Ganta, Nimba County in connection to the macabre killing of another motorcyclist.
While the government through its security apparatus is struggling in containing the situation in Ganta, thre comatose body of a woman was discovered early Wednesday morning in Grand Kru County.
Unclear circumstances surrounding her death have said to have sparked shock and speculation across the county and community.
Security experts fear these events have the propensity to stir up a serious nation-wide pandemonium and signal greater insecurity apprehension about the country across the globe.
All of these are taking place ahead of President Joseph Boakai’s anticipated participation in the ensuing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States of America where he would address the august body on the states of affairs in the country and his administration’s programs and policies to address those.
Grand Kru Death
According to reporter, authorities are yet to provide a concrete explanation for the cause of her death, raising questions about whether this was a case of foul play, negligence, or something more sinister.
Investigators have launched a probe, but locals are already voicing concerns over the slow pace of official communication.
Many residents fear that authorities may attempt to downplay the case, while others believe the incident could expose deeper issues of insecurity and neglect in the county.
Grand Kru has been at the center of mysterious deaths over the past few years, and the latest mysterious death of the woman is a confirmation of how the county is largely beset with the taking of lives of residents by elements of depravity.
A vast but sparsely populated county, Grand Kru neighbors Maryland County, which is largely notorious mysterious killings for ritualistic purposes.
The latest discovery is also said to be an indication that situation is not lessening.
Killing in Buchanan
Also, city of Buchanan, Liberia’s second largest city on record, is still reeling from terribly macabre killing of a motorcyclist, Ruben Samuel (19), last week by two young wicked people, who are now providing conflicting accounts of their involvement and shifting blames on each other.
The seemingly shocking tragedy has left residents of Buchanan in disbelief.
The two young men have confessed to killing the teenage motorcyclist, sparking public outrage and heightening fears over the safety of commercial riders across Liberia.
The suspects, 20-year-old Matthew Gaye and 23-year-old Prince Moore, were arrested at the Buchanan checkpoint when state security grew suspicious of them riding an undocumented motorbike.
During interrogation, both men admitted to killing a bike rider, but gave conflicting accounts, each accusing the other of being the mastermind.
Speaking to journalists, Matthew claimed that Prince led him into the act under the pretense of “going to hustle.” He alleged that Prince purchased a sharp knife and plotted the attack.
According to Matthew, they hired 19-year-old Ruben Samuel to transport them to a location known as “God Bless You Hill.” “Prince stabbed the rider and told me to take the bike,” Matthew recounted, adding that he was afraid but was urged by Prince to be brave.
Prince however, rejected Matthew’s account, insisting that it was Matthew who orchestrated the plan and played the leading role in Ruben’s killing. Both men have since been charged and are being held at the Buchanan Central Prison awaiting trial.
The father of the victim, Thomas Samuel, told reporters that the motorbike was given to his son as a way to support himself.
“The bike was given to my son by a good friend so he could hustle since he didn’t have a job. Now they have killed him for it. I want justice for my son,” he said.
Ruben’s murder has sparked anger across Buchanan, where residents are demanding swift justice. Some have even called for the suspects’ immediate execution; a reflection of frustration over rising motorbike thefts and violent attacks on riders in Liberia.
This case comes just the same time when another incident in Nimba County, where a 16-year-old motorcyclist was brutally murdered near CMC Junction. In that case, angry riders dug the victim’s body after it was buried demanding a full investigation. They claimed that if the body remain underground the investigation will be slow.
As attacks on motorcyclists have increased as many citizens are urging the government and security agencies to strengthen measures to protect riders who remain among the country’s most vulnerable groups.
For now, all eyes are on the unfolding case of Matthew and Prince in Buchanan, as the community anxiously awaits justice for young Ruben Samuel soul.
Ganta Tension
Apart from the Grand Kru and Buchanan deaths that have already sparked fear and tension, the city of Ganta, Nimba County is teetering on the brink of a near-overall crisis in the wake of the killing of another motorcyclist, Roland Johnson.
Johnson’s body was discovered on the Ganta–Gbahn Highway, where he was allegedly killed on Monday.
Angry crowds protesting Johnson’s killing exhumed his body and rampaged throughout the city, demanding justice. It took security the intervention of security forces led by the Liberia National Police to bring the tension under control.
While there is no solution to the problem in terms of apprehending the alleged doers, Police have condemned the brutal act and pledged a thorough investigation to ensure justice is served.
Reports indicate that Johnson was not a commercial motorcyclist at the time of the incident, contradicting earlier claims.
In a strong message to the public, ACP Mendin also criticized individuals believed to be motorcyclists who exhumed Johnson’s remains under the pretense of seeking justice. He labeled the act as unlawful and deeply disrespectful.
“We strongly condemn such behavior and urge all residents to remain calm. The police will ensure justice is delivered,” Mendin stated.
He further called on the aggrieved residents of Ganta to remain peaceful and avoid taking the law into their own hands. According to Mendin, peace has now been restored in Ganta following earlier tensions and protests sparked by the killing.
“The situation is under control,” he assured. “There is a strong police presence in Nimba to maintain peace and order. We encourage all residents to return to their normal activities without fear.”
Authorities have yet to disclose any arrests or persons of interest in the case, but police say investigations are ongoing.
Deaths and fears have overwhelmed Liberians, mainly residents of the epicenter of the recent mysterious but macabre killings of innocent citizens in Grand Bassa, Grand Kru and Nimba Counties.
Alphonso Toweh
Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters
He holds first MA with honors in International Relations and a candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict Resolution from the University of Liberia.
