By Solomon T. Gaye, Sr.
Senator Prince Yormie Johnson says the shortage of LNP officers and the suspension of over eight LNP officers by Police Director Patrick Sudue are causes for the increase in crime rates in Ganta.
Speaking to this paper via mobile phone, Senator Johnson intimated that last year May, over eight LNP officers were suspended while conducting investigation into the mysterious death of a Guinean who reportedly died in the Police cell in Ganta.
According to Senator Johnson, the case claimed the attention of Nimba lawmakers who then ordered investigation into the death of Joe Kolleh to bring to book the perpetrators.
“Ganta has become a crime-infested city since the over eight LNP officers who are supposed to be on assignment to help in the fight against criminal activities were sent away,” he complained.
He averred that the absence of adequate police officers has also created avenue for criminals to have their way; a situation that has now left citizens in perpetual fear.
Since the suspension of the LNP officers last year 2021, few of the suspended female officers are now seen selling dry fish and used clothes in various communities to sustain themselves, since they are out of job.
Ganta is among several of the fast growing cities threatened with criminal activities in many of the communities like Guinea Road, 404 Community, Ganta United Methodist Plantations, and all these areas are considered as “No go zones” by residents especially at nightfall, for fear of any attack by zogos.
When this paper contacted the LNP Regional Officer for Nimba, Bong and Lofa Counties via mobile phone, he confirmed the suspension of the over eight LNP officers by directive of the Director of Police, Patrick Sudue.
“The issue is beyond my scope of operation because the officers in question were suspended by the directive of the Inspector General of the Liberia National Police in the country,” the LNP Regional Officer stated.