Africa-Press – Liberia. House of Representatives has summoned Justice Minister, Cllr. Frank Musa Dean, along with the Inspector General of the Liberia National Police, Patrick Sudue and the head of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency to appear before the full plenary in the wake of the increasing crime rate in Monrovia and other parts of Liberia.
The decision of Plenary was triggered by a communication from Rep. Richard Nagbe Koon (District #11, Montserrado County), calling on the House to invite the top law enforcement officials to inform the legislators about measures that are being put in place to combat the increasing lawlessness: criminal activities and the proliferation of drug users in Monrovia and other parts of the country.
“… It is sad that our country is fast surrendering to criminals and drug abusers, and as lawmakers we cannot sit idly and fold our hands as our beautiful country become a safe-haven for criminals, drug abusers and hijackers,” Rep Koon said in his communication.
The number of drug users generally called ‘zogos’ continue to increase in Monrovia and every major city and town across the country. In Monrovia and its environs, these thugs (zogos) roam the streets, and often use abandoned structures and commentaries as their hideouts. From there, they attack peaceful commuters and residents; taking their belongings such as cellphones, handbags, wallets and other valuables.
The recent stampede at a crusade in the Borough of New Kru Town that claimed the lives of 29 people including women and children is reported to have been instigated by some of them.
Alluding to the tragic incident, Rep. Koon, in his communication said the recent stampede in New Kru Town was not just an embarrassment to the Liberia as a country, but the incident also prove that the country is vulnerable to crimes and uncertainties.
He said: “It is not only sad to lose 29 persons in such an unfortunate way; it is disheartening that until today there are still unanswered questions surrounding their death. Another instance, last week Wednesday it was reported by Truth FM that in Bong County the Police had gone to retrieve a stolen motorcycle from a criminal hideout, according to police commander Fasu Sherriff, the criminals retaliated by firing live bullets and injuring two police officers in the process.”
Arousing the consciences of his colleagues to summon the top justice officials for questioning, Rep. Koon said the few incidents he flagged out prove that the nation is facing a serious threat to its national security.
“Criminals, hijackers and drug abusers rove our streets like hunting-preys waiting to devour belongings of peaceful citizen or at the very least end their lives. If we must win this war on our national security, it is time we act now by inviting the relevant authorities and seeking the unanswered questions,” he urged.
He continued: “Fellow colleagues, in this regard I write to appeal to your good consciences and to convince you that we invite the following heads of law enforcement in Liberia to explain the rise in crimes and measures to curtail them. It is necessary and prudent that the Justice Minister, Inspector General Liberia National Police and Director, Liberia drugs enforcement agency answers relevant questions before plenary surrounding the issues stated above.”
Following a brief deliberation, the plenary voted in in favor of a motion proffered by Rep. Hans Barchue (District #1, Grand Bassa County); mandating Justice Minister Dean, Police IG Sudue and the LDEA head to appear before it on Tuesday, February 8, 2022.
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