One person is reported dead, and two others are said to be under critical condition after officers of the Liberia National Police reportedly shot at protesters in Kingsville, District one, Montserrado County.
The protesters on early Monday morning blocked the roads leading Margibi and Bong Counties, demanding justice for the mysterious death of two children who went missing few weeks ago.
According to reports, little Elijah Kpoluma and Thomas Kollie, believed to be in early 10 and 11 years reportedly went missing since May 30 and 31, 2019.
The aggrieved Kingsville citizens complained that the missing children were later found with parts extracted from their bodies.
Four persons from the community were arrested, having been linked to the act, but reports suggest that the police failed to provide findings into the investigation.
This angered residents of the community, thus provoking street protest.
The protesters said during the road blocks Monday June 24, 2019 morning, Police Support Unit Officers arrived at the scene, removed the road block, but was later replaced by them.
An eyewitness accounts told the Liberia Public Radio, the police at first spoke to the aggrieved residents to allow the free movement of vehicular traffic, but they refused.
“If we will die like the children who were killed, we will die; but we cannot leave this place until justice is done,” they declared.
They told reporters that after few minutes of tussle, police officers began to shoot at them, resulting to one person dead and other two persons injured.
OK FM Margibi County Correspondent Emmanuel Sensee in the area quoted several residents of Kingsville as expressing fear, while others have begun leaving the environment.
Authority of the Liberia National Police has not officially commented on the shooting incident as Police Spokesman, Moses Carter promised to speak on the matter later.
U.S. Embassy in Monrovia travel alert
“A demonstration is taking place today, Monday, June 24, 2019, near the Fifteen Gate community on the Monrovia-Kakata highway. Protesters are calling for justice in the alleged murder of two children some weeks ago. The protesters have reportedly blocked the Monrovia-Ganta Highway at Kingsville #7, which is one mile from the Fifteen Gate community. There are reports of persons injured by gunfire, including reports of one fatality”, the statement added.
The alert also urged U.S. government personnel including Peace Corps Volunteers and staff to avoid the area. “All U.S. citizens are advised to avoid the area of the demonstration and to monitor local media to remain informed of developments as they occur. The U.S. Embassy will issue additional alerts if there are changes to the list of recommended actions below.
Actions to Take:
- Avoid the areas of the demonstrations.
- Exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.
- Monitor local media for updates.
- Keep a low profile.
