By Solomon Gaye
A brawl over chicken feet between two police officers at the Karnplay police station has left Officer Hecton Biah injured after a fight broke out with Public Security Unit (PSU) Officer Jeremiah Tarkpor.
The incident reportedly stemmed from a dispute over a plate of cooked chicken feet while the officers were sharing a meal.
Victor Cooper, speaking to Voice of Gompa, explained that the confrontation escalated when Biah allegedly took the chicken feet from Tarkpor’s plate.
This provocation led to a physical altercation where Tarkpor overpowered Biah, resulting in severe injuries, including a broken spinal bone.
“Officer Tarkpor knocked Officer Biah down, and he was immediately taken to the Karnplay health center.
Due to the severity of his injuries, he was later transferred to G.W. Harley Hospital in Sanniquellie, and eventually to Ganta United Methodist Hospital.
He is now at JFK Medical Center in Monrovia,” Cooper reported.
The incident has sparked widespread discussions in local entertainment venues, with many residents calling on the government to increase salaries and provide better incentives for state security personnel.
This is the second reported fistfight among security officers in Nimba County in less than three weeks, raising alarms among community members about the conduct of law enforcement officials.
Earlier in October, a female police officer, Maron Cooper, was involved in a physical altercation with several Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) officers at a checkpoint in Sanniquellie. Such incidents have fueled concerns regarding discipline and professionalism within the ranks of law enforcement.
When contacted for comment, Nimba Police Detachment Commander ACP Mendin Larmie confirmed the incident, emphasizing the need for medical attention for Officer Biah.
“Let me clarify that the misunderstanding between the officers led to the fight, but it was not solely about the cooked chicken feet,” ACP Larmie stated.
He also indicated that Officer Jeremiah Tarkpor is assigned to the regional hub in Gbarnga, while Officer Hecton Biah is stationed at Karnplay.
“The information regarding the chicken feet is misleading; it was a misunderstanding that triggered the fight,” he asserted.
Regarding the earlier incident involving Officer Maron Cooper, ACP Larmie mentioned that it has since been resolved, stating, “There was a misunderstanding between her and some LIS officers, but that issue has been laid to rest.”
As the community grapples with these incidents, there is a growing call for increased accountability and professional conduct among security personnel to ensure public trust and safety.
