Report by A. Macualay Sombai, [email protected]
Kinjor, Cape Mount County – The Inspector General of the Liberia National Police (LNP), Col. Patrick Sudue, has called on all residents of the gold mining town of Kinjor in Golakonneh District, Cape Mount County, to do away with violence in order to maintain peace with Bea Mountain Mining Company operating in the district.
IG Sudue made the call early this week when he went to educate citizens on how they should work along with LNP officers assigned in the area, for the common good of their community.
Col. Sudue urged elders to talk to their children not to get involved with any violent act that could cause owners of the company to pack their bags and leave the country, which he said would increase high unemployment rate.
Mr. Sudue further urged Kinjor citizens to work hand in hand with the police to keep their community save from trouble.
“In this 21st Century, we are looking at the aspect of community policing because what we were doing in the past was traditional policing or active policing but now we are doing proactive policing. That is we are now taking the police to the people. In taking the police to the people, we will be able to know their needs and some of the problems they are faced with.”
While emphasizing on the danger of the current land conflict between the Gola and Vai ethnic groups, he made it clear to them that they need to put aside their differences and work together if they are to benefit from the company.
The Police IG also stressed to Kinjor residents that it is not possible to employ all of them.
“I have come to explain to them the fact when it comes to employment because they are calling on the company to employ all of the youth in this community which is not possible at all,” he stated.
He praised the Community and Governmental Relations Manager of BMMC, Mr. Sando Wayne, for the responsible way he continues to engage citizens of the community on the important of community development.
Inspector General Sudue distributed soft drink and water to children of Kinjor as a sign of the police association with people and children of that community.