PHOTO: A grave that was recently burst into
By Charles Gbayor, maorethason1997@gmail.com
HARPER, Liberia- Citizens in Liberia’s southeastern Maryland County are expressing concern over the rise in criminality, as unknown criminals continue to rob residents with even cemeteries not being spared.
Locals have called on authorities to provide maximum security protection.
The criminals are said to be using cemeteries as hideouts, as they unleash their criminal activities in Harper and other areas.
Recently, residents of Harper saw one of the newly constructed graves belonging to the late Ma Mary Nugba broken into, as they looked for valuables that may have been placed in the vault.
They were unable to remove the casket but made away with the wreath and roses to the dismay of relatives of the diceased.
The residents are calling for fence to be constructed around the main cemetery with gate and assignment of security officers, so as to avoid the area being used as hideout for criminals.
Patrick Nugba, Son of the deceased whose grave was broken into, has described the acts of criminals as evil.
”What do they want, my mother was just last night August 8, 2021 buried and this morning, August 9, 2021, came back to do the last plastering of the grave but to find out that one side of the grave was broken into by unknown guys,” Mr. Nugba said.
”Thank God that they did not carry my mother’s dead body or put her outside of the grave, this is a lesson for the city cooperation to protect this cemetery at all times,” Mr. Nugba emphasized.
Locals are urging the Harper City Corporation headed by Blessing H. Tweh to see the situation of increasing criminal activities and use of cemeteries as hideout as alarming, which needs to be addressed.
Residents of Harper are also recommending collective approach by all to ensure that practical measures are put in place to remedy the unwholesome act by criminals in Maryland County.
Since the recent protests earlier this year which resulted into scores of inmates to escaping the Harper Central Prison facility, who are yet to be rearrested, the county has been recording strange and frequent criminal activities over the period.
Unknown men stormed the commercial city of Pleebo and made away with several valuable items both from businesses and ordinary people.
FLASHBACK: Police vehicle damaged by angry protestors
The national Police and other state security in this area lack logistical support that would help local law enforcers carryout their duties effectively.
Currently, there is no vehicle for the Police detachment in the County to ensure they conduct regular patrols.