By Precious D. Freeman
In a tragic incident that has shocked the community, Patrolman Elton Bahn has died from injuries sustained during a violent altercation with another officer over a single chicken foot.
His death was confirmed by family members on Friday morning at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital, where he was transferred for treatment after sustaining severe injuries in the fight.
The conflict reportedly erupted at the Karnplay police station when Bahn questioned Police Support Unit (PSU) Officer Jeremiah Takpor about his greedy consumption of a shared meal.
Witnesses say the situation escalated when Bahn snatched the only chicken foot from Takpor’s hand, leading to a physical confrontation.
The fight resulted in Bahn suffering a broken spinal cord, among other serious injuries.
Eyewitness accounts describe the altercation as particularly violent, with Takpor overpowering Bahn.
Following the fight, Bahn was initially rushed to a local health center but was later referred to the G.W. Harley Hospital in Sanniquellie and then to Ganta United Methodist Hospital in Gompa, before finally reaching the JFK Medical Center in Monrovia.
In response to the incident, Officer Jeremiah Takpor has been taken into custody for questioning by the Liberia National Police as investigations continue.
The circumstances surrounding the altercation have raised concerns about discipline and professionalism within law enforcement circle, particularly in light of recent similar incidents in Nimba County.
Community discussions have intensified following this episode, with many residents calling for improved salaries and incentives for police officers to prevent such conflicts.
The incident has sparked wider debates about the conduct of security personnel, especially following a recent fight involving a female officer and Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) officers.
Nimba Police Detachment Commander ACP Mendin Larmie addressed the situation, noting that the fight stemmed from a misunderstanding rather than just the chicken foot issue.
“The information regarding the chicken feet is misleading; it was a misunderstanding that triggered the fight,” he stated.
As the community mourns the loss of Patrolman Bahn, there is an urgent call for accountability and improved conduct among security forces to maintain public trust and ensure safety.
Meanwhile, the LNP, through its spokesperson, Cecelia Clark, has expressed deepest sympathy to the bereaved family for the unfortunate incident.
At the same time, the LNP says it’s conducting investigations to establish circumstances surrounding the incident.
