By Grace Q. Bryant
A wave of outrage has swept across Liberia following the brutal assault on Momo David, a Liberian citizen, allegedly at the hands of Chinese national, Marco Shield and his Liberian accomplices.
The shocking incident, which occurred on January 13, 2025, at Shield’s residence in Congo Town, has sparked urgent calls for justice from citizens, activists, and human rights advocates.
A group of concerned individuals under the banner, Eminent Citizens has issued a strong statement condemning the violence and demanding immediate action from the government.
According to the group’s spokesman, Alpha Gray, Momo David was subjected to horrific acts of torture, including being chased, restrained, and burned with hot objects. The brutality of the attack has left the nation in shock, with many questioning the safety of Liberian citizens within their own country.
“The heinous actions taken against Momo David included being chased down, restrained, and tortured with hot objects; an act that is not only barbaric but speaks volumes about the moral decline among those who feel untouchable,” spokesman Gray said.
The Eminent Citizens emphasized that the crime was committed within Liberia’s borders, in the home of a foreign national, and that such acts of impunity must not be tolerated.
He warned that failure to bring the perpetrators to justice would send a dangerous message that Liberia is a vulnerable state where foreign nationals can commit acts of violence against citizens without fear of repercussions.
On February 9, law enforcement officers, led by Officer Jerry K.M, arrested Marco Shield’s alleged accomplices: Emmanuel Human, Andrew Bamo, and Sony Sumo, all Liberian nationals.
However, the whereabouts of Marco Shield remain unknown, raising serious concerns about the effectiveness of the justice system.
The Eminent Citizens have expressed frustration over what they describe as an alarming silence from Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman and other government officials.
They argue that the lack of swift action undermines Liberia’s justice system and emboldens criminals.
The group has issued a direct call to the administration, demanding immediate action to locate and prosecute Marco Shield.
“If the regime allows this case to be swept under the rug, it will not only embolden perpetrators of crimes but will also place every Liberian in danger,” the spokesman warned.
The statement further criticized what it described as a pattern of impunity in Liberia, citing previous cases where crimes went unpunished.
It called for transparency, swift judicial action, and an assurance that all individuals involved in the crime would be held accountable, regardless of their nationality or political connections.
The Eminent Citizens have urged Liberians to stand together in the fight for justice, calling on activists, civil rights organizations, and the international community to put pressure on the government.
“This case must become a rallying point, a moment of awakening for all Liberians. If we do not hold this regime accountable, we risk endangering our citizens and creating an environment ripe for further injustices and chaos,” the spokesman concluded.
