Report by Lennart Dodoo, [email protected]
Monrovia – Traumatized by the terror of the previous night, her voice was shaky and the tone was very low, yet Madam Zoe Baker managed to put herself together as she explained how she and her husband miraculously missed death at the hands of heavily armed men whom she believes were hired assassins.
Madam Baker is the owner and manager of a local but flourishing restaurant in Congo Town – Terra Cotta.
Speaking to FrontPageAfrica over the weekend, she narrated that she had closed from the restaurant on Friday evening and got at her home on the Robertsfield Highway near the Baptist Seminary at about 9:0 p.m.
“When we were entering the compound, we saw this very bright light ahead of us and it disappeared after some time. We entered our yard and the boy who lives with us came to get the things from the car trunk. We did not know what as soon as we entered the house, the men, heavily armed with AK-47 and ammunition also entered. One of them put the boy at gunpoint and two entered the house,” she explained.
Her husband, in his 60s and battling pressure, was asked to prostrate on the ground while the gun was held at his head. The lights were still out in the house.
According to her, the men began to ask them for money, moving to and fro in the house.
“They still had my husband on the ground and then they asked me to show them where we keep our money. I told them we are business people and that we don’t have money. We don’t even keep money in the house. The other man, who was also heavily armed with AK-47 slapped me in my face. His face was partially covered and he wore yellow shirt and short trouser.
“They took all that they could their lay hands on including our phones; they found some money and took it away, too. But while the other men were in the house with us, we overheard the one outside with the boy asking, ‘These people, they working with government?’ And he told them ‘No, they’re business people.’ Then he said, ‘Then why they sent us to kill them?’”
She further asserted, “We heard them saying ‘Why would they send us to kill these people if they’re ordinary business people?’ They mentioned the name of a prominent person whose name I can’t call to you because the Police are investigating. It was just by the miracle of God, they spared us. They seemed confused; they took what they could lay their hands on and left.”
Madam Baker, who now feels unsafe in Liberia, has abandoned her home and now residing at a safe location. She wondered by the Police hasn’t provided her security after reporting the case and given them the name of the person who reportedly wanted she and her husband dead.
“Family members are now calling me from all over asking me what am I still doing in Liberia. But I run a business, I have workers who look up to me,” she said.
She added, “I’ll eventually have to leave because I believe I was saved only by the grace of God – my husband and I. Since we reported our case to the police, they haven’t gotten back to us yet. I have no idea how long this would go. I’m very much afraid for my life. I feel my life is in danger,” she said.
Director of Press and Public Affairs of the Liberia National Police, Moses Carter, told FrontPageAfrica that the police was still investigating the matter.
According to him, the LNP is challenged by its numerical strength and assign officers to private citizens for protection only when the situation demands so.
He, however, could not say why Mrs. Baker hasn’t been provided protection, noting that he would inquire with the authorities to ascertain the nature of her case.
The alleged attempt on Madam Baker’s life comes at a time when the public is yet to get a clear picture of circumstances surrounding the murder of Journalist Tyron Browne, a former employee of Super FM/TV – a media conglomerate owned by businessman George Kailondo.
The new Inspector General of the Liberia National Police, Col. Patrick Sudue took over the Police at a time when the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) fully withdrew its presence from Liberia, having supported the police technically and logistically over the last 15 years.
The new police administration is yet to crack the whip on crime which suddenly gained momentum in the country’s capital, Monrovia and it’s environs.
The wave of crimes in the country has also led to some European countries raising red flag on Liberia – cautioning their citizens of high crime rate in the country.
Recently, the United Kingdom warned its citizens of high level of armed robbery in Monrovia.
The UK government noted in a statement, “The Liberian National Police has very limited capability to prevent or detect crime, or to provide emergency response in any part of the country. Levels of crime are much higher after dark. Don’t walk anywhere in the city at night.
“Take care when walking alone and only do so during daylight hours in areas frequented by foreigners.
“Most crime is opportunistic theft, but there are organized criminal gangs. Thieves are often armed with knives or machetes, but occasionally also carry firearms. While Liberians are the main victims of crime, the relative wealth of international visitors makes them an attractive target for criminals. Avoid carrying valuables in public and be vigilant at all times, especially at night. Mobile phones and laptops are common targets of theft.
“Foreigners have been mugged in the Mamba Point and Sinkor areas of Monrovia (including Sinkor beach in broad daylight), where most international visitors stay. Be wary if you are approached by strangers. Criminals also operate in nightclubs and on beaches.
“Accommodation occupied by international workers has occasionally been targeted by burglars. Thefts have occurred in taxis. You should avoid local public transport. There is a high incidence of rape in Liberia and there have been cases of rapes and attempted rapes involving foreign women.
“Take extra care when driving in heavy traffic or off the main roads.
Consider your security arrangements carefully before your arrival in Liberia. Make sure you are supported by a reliable organization with a comprehensive and adequate security plan. Stay only in reputable accommodation with adequate guarding and other security arrangements, and arrange for transport for the duration of your stay, including travel to and from the airport. Roberts International Airport is around 30 miles from central Monrovia, much of the journey passing through rural areas.”