Monrovia – The Liberia National Police has arrested at least 12 persons in connection to Sunday’s riot in Montserrado County District 10 in which several persons were reportedly wounded.
The police also condemned the act of violence which evolved as a result of an altercation between supporters of District #10 Representative, Yekeh Kolubah and some residents of the district.
According to Police preliminary investigation, the violence began after it was reported that Rep. Kolubah’s security aide, Abu Keita had bitten the ear of a resident of District #10, Mohammed Bah, thus causing serious bodily injury to victim Bah for broadcasting live a children party organized by the district Representative.
It was alleged that victim Bah had gone to the Ford Maiden Christian Academy on the Smythe Road, Old Road where the party was being held to broadcast live a situation where kids were said to be fainting due to overcrowdedness of the hall.
When victim Bah was spotted broadcasting the event live on social media, Rep. Kolubah’s security aide, Abu Keita seized victim Bah’s phone – a situation which provocked a tussle between the pair. Bah’s ear was allegedly bitten off by Kieta.
As a result of the bite on the ear of the complainant, some residents of the District went on the rampage in avenging the action of Rep. Kolubah’s aide.
The Zone 3 police officers along with a host of PSU officers swiftly intervened and brought the situation under control.
Police Spokesman: “Unfortunately, instead of Hon. Kolubah appreciating the efforts of the Police to restore calm in his district, he chose to make unfounded statements denigrating the Liberia National Police and its Inspector General, Hon. Patrick Sudue.”
“Contrary to allegations from Hon. Kolubah that Hon. Sudue told him that he was instructed by the President of Liberia, His Excellency Dr. George Weah not to send Police officers to the violent scene, officer visibility was highly felt yesterday; something which helped greatly to restore calm to the area.”
The LNP clarified that at no point in time did President Weah order IG Sudue not to send officers to District # 10.
Police spokesman Moses Carter said contrary to claims from Rep. Kolubah that no single resident was arrested besides his security aide, eleven other residents were also arrested and are being investigated in connection with the violent protest in the district.
Those arrested include Boima Jones, 29; Richard Dolo, 26; Alieu Jalloh, 25; Samuel Kollie, 17; Alvin Kennedy, 32; Clarence E. Josiah, 18; Lincoln Moses, 21.
Others include Lorenzo L. Johnson, 21; Moses Ross, 17; John William, 27; Andrew Wonah, 17 and Prince T. Waiwor, 18.
On reports of shooting at the home of Rep. Kolubah, the LNP has launched a full-scale investigation into the matter.
“The outcome of the said investigation will be made available as soon as possible. The LNP also confirms that as a result of the riot, three children were taken to the Catholic hospital yesterday evening and one of them has been discharged,” Carter said.