BUCHANAN, Liberia- Amid reported threats against Journalists in Grand Bassa County, Superintendent Janjay Baikpeh has ordered a speedy investigation into the alleged threats issued by some unknown individuals on the lives of three journalists by state security forces in this southern Liberian County.
Speaking to reporters here on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 during a press conference at the Administrative Building, Superintendent Baikpeh condemned the act, saying his office was doing a communication to the security apparatus to look into the grave allegation against those Journalists.
Some unknown individuals in Grand Bassa County have allegedly planned to go after the three journalists due to their critical and independent reporting in this Special Senatorial Election scheduled for December 8, a local community radio Magic FM reported.
This respectable station quotes reliable sources in the area as saying, that the three journalists, who have been targeted, are Station Manager Christopher Yarwoe, Broadcast Supervisor Zahn Dehdyugar both of Magic FM, and the Chief Executive Officer of Ableejay Online Television, Elton Tiah.
According to multiple sources that informed Magic FM and Ableejay TV, that the three journalists have been listed by paid agents to either harm or kill them.
The sources did not say why the trio are specifically being targeted nor name those who have paid those unknown individuals to carry out the mission.
The Grand Bassa County Superintendent said that it is wrong to issue death threats on the lives of Journalists, because it has the propensity to scare away investors and other well-meaning individuals from investing in the county and the country at large.
Mr. Baikpeh added that no matter how critical or independent journalists are, that should not give anybody the right to put them in fear with the aim to harm or take away their lives.
He said Journalists must be respected and well protected because they serve as watchdogs of society.
The head of Grand Bassa County urged the three journalists who have been allegedly targeted to cooperate with the joint security headed by the County Attorney and the Police Commander, Col. Sarkoh Freeman to do the investigation in order to bring the perpetrators to book.
The reaction by Superintendent Baikpah comes less than 24 hours after news report that some unknown individuals have been hired to harm or kill three Journalists in the county.
The three Journalist are reportedly being targeted for what is termed as their critical and independent reporting in this special senatorial election scheduled for December 8.