By Precious D. Freeman
The Liberia National Police (LNP) has launched an investigation into a shooting incident involving Officer Boimah Massallay of the Police Support Unit (PSU) in Bokon Community, Lower Virginia.
According to LNP spokesperson, Cecelia Clarke, preliminary reports indicate that Officer Massallay discharged his service weapon during an encounter, resulting in the death of an individual identified as Talking Tom.
The exact circumstances of the shooting are under investigation to determine the facts and ensure full transparency.
Officer Massallay has been placed on administrative leave in line with standard police protocol.
The LNP is engaging with community leaders and witnesses to gather additional information and has encouraged anyone with relevant details to come forward.
The Inspector General of Police Gregory Coleman has expressed condolences to the bereaved family and assured the public of a fair and impartial investigation.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the family. The Liberia National Police remains committed to professionalism, accountability, and justice. We treat this incident seriously and have initiated a prompt investigation to establish the facts. Our main focus continues to be the safety and protection of all Liberians, and we are dedicated to maintaining transparency and responsibility in law enforcement,” IG Coleman stated.
Meanwhile, community members in Virginia, Montserrado County, are expressing outrage over the death of a 22-year-old fisherman identified only as Favor during an apparent police raid on drug users in the Banjor Beach area.
Eyewitnesses say the incident occurred when Officer Massallay entered an area known as Kongo Gap, a spot allegedly frequented by drug users.
According to local resident Joseph Yourkpo, the sound of gunfire caused people to flee in panic.
“The area is usually a gap or wood. When the officer arrived, those guys tried to escape. By then, they were already getting ‘hard,’” Yourkpo explained.
Another witness emphasized that Favor was not a criminal but a fisherman caught in the chaos.
“When people hear a gunshot, they run for their lives. This boy was a fisherman, not a criminal,” the witness said.
The shooting has sparked outrage in the community, with some residents threatening retaliation if Officer Massallay is not held accountable.
“This is sad for us. It is not the first time this has happened. Every time Officer Boimah comes, he shoots, and today he has killed an innocent man. Who will take care of his family now?” lamented Kollie Blama.
“God will see Officer Boimah, and his family is at risk,” another resident warned, vowing to monitor how authorities handle the case.
