By Solomon T. Gaye
Police in Gompa City, Nimba County has denied imposing curfew in the city instead says the restriction affects motorcycles plying the streets after 10 pm only during these festive seasons.
Though motorcyclists perceived that the realities on the grounds contradict the police statement.
The Commander of Police in Gompa City, Mendin Larmie, said the abrupt restriction in the city limits are only restricted to the Christmas celebration yet, it has already begun creating serious concern among the residents in that part of the country.
Speaking to the Inquirer, a resident of Gompa City, Rubin Dokie, is accusing the Police for the alleged extortion of money in the name of curfew violations by motorcycle operators.
According to Dokie,”The purported curfew which allows for bikes to only run from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm is creating additional hardship on the residents and travelers in the wake of the season. We expect the joint security to patrol various communities at night or reorganize the community watch forums to work with the police,” Dokie suggested.
It is observed that since the pronouncement about the restriction on local community radios, the LPMC Police Depot in Gompa City has been turned into a motorcycle garage for alleged violators are requested a fine of not less that LD 3,000 to be paid to the police.
Speaking on the issue, motorcyclist Towah Menson, disclosed that he paid LD 3,000 to the LPRC Community Police Depot in Gompa to free his motorbike for carrying passengers after 10:00 pm
During the beginning of December 2024, Gompa Police Commander announced that motorcycles will only from runs from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm in the city with immediate effect.
“The Police imposed restriction on motorcycles during night hours and we did that to control crimes or other criminal related issues in the wake of the Christmas season,” ACP Larmie said, adding, “Any violator will bear the full weight of the law.”
Interestingly, ACP Larmie remains tight-lipped over the concern of cash penalty been allegedly imposed on violators.
Despite the pronouncement about the curfew or restrictions on motorcycle movement, there are reports of alleged hike in crimes in some communities in Gompa and is creating fear among the residents.
