PHOTO: National Police Commander Fasu V. Sheriff
By J. Peter S. Dennis, dennisrealone@gmail.com
GBARNGA, Liberia- The Joint Security comprising officers of the Liberia National Police and Soldiers of the Armed Forces of Liberia have burnt down the notorious “Kampala” criminal base in Gbarnga due to rising insecurity, 103 miles east of Monrovia.
“Kampala”, located near the Methodist Compound, is notoriously known to be a center of narcotic drugs trade and a hideout for criminals.
No official response has been obtained by our reporter from the United Method Church on its developmental plan for its vast land that is in ruin.
This “Kampala” base has been in existence for over five years in Gbarnga, with many forced to pay ransom to regain their lost items or materials after being stolen.
Speaking in an interview over the weekend after the exercise, Bong County Police Detachment Commander Fasu V. Sheriff said their action to burn the area down is due to recent increase in criminal activities including the snatching of valuables.
He also named beating of peaceful citizens for their belongings as another justification for the burning.
Those materials are then taken to “Kampala” by the criminals to be sold to the drug dealers.
The burning of this notorious base is the second of its kind in less than a year by the Bong County Police Detachment, in the wake of the increase in crime rate, including illicit drugs abused and trafficking. The area was since declared as “a no go zone” but it didn’t yield any significant outcome when the guys (Zogos) returned to their base.
“You know when I took over as a new assistant police commissioner in Bong; I galvanized our men to burn down the area. We later declared it as no go zone. They left, and have returned. Thus we have no option, but to intensify our forces and move there vigorously,” the Bong County Police commander recorded.
“We will not relent,” assistant commissioner Fasu V. Sheriff maintains.
Police say community cooperation needed
At the same time, Assistant Commissioner of Police Sheriff has admonished community leaders in prone communities to work along with the LNP in finding a solution to this security threat.
The GST Road, People’s Street, Kulah Village and Bassa Community are prone areas to the Kampala base. It’s not however clear whether these Zogos or drug dealers will stay in these communities considering their highlights.
Assistant commissioner Fasu V. Sheriff was clear that the LNP in collaboration with other security apparatus despite logistical challenges will begin training Community Police in those communities as a way of providing security.
Meanwhile, the Bong County joint security action has been greeted with mixed reactions by citizens.
Many have lauded the securities efforts by demolishing the base while others think burning the Kampala base is not the only solution as they may re-unite elsewhere to keep terrorizing peaceful civilians.
They referenced the first incident of demolishing the same base after which they reappear. They argued that their presences in communities will further pose threats to citizens.
2 youths sentenced to jail for crimes
In another development, the 9th Judicial Circuit Court sitting in its May term over the weekend sentenced two youths of Bong County for spilling acid in the eyes of a 21-year-old motorcyclist of Duta, Kpaai District.
Rufus Moses, 19 and Daniel Dolokelen, 18 had since pleaded guilty to the commission of the crimes of armed robbery, aggravated assault, criminal attempt to commit murder and criminal conspiracy.
The duo was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment. Isaac Stubberfield the victim is said to be blind after the ordeal.
The incident reportedly occurred on September 30, 2021 in the town of Duta when the criminals put him under the pretense of going Palala, a nearby town to visit their girlfriends. It was while in route, that Rufus and Daniel wasted the acid on victim Isaac Stubberfield.
They later escaped with the bike but were arrested by fellow motorcyclists and turned over to the Liberia National Police for interrogation.
The victim’s sister, Comfort Stubberfield is appealing for support to take her brother, Isaac out of Liberia for advanced medical treatment.