Women Solidarity Incorporated (WOSI) Calls For Speedy Justice
PHOTO: WOSI executive, Madam Onike Tenesee Freeman
By Alfred Kollie, alfredkolliejr92@gmail.com
A local Civil society group under the banner, Women Solidarity Incorporated (WOSI) has condemned an alleged attempted murder of a young Liberian woman, Ms. Jessica Llody by an American citizen near Monrovia recently.
Mr. Lucas Richards, who is residing in Liberia, has now been charged to court and forwarded to the Monrovia Central Prison pending trial.
WOSI, a national NGO with key focus on women and girls’ rights and empowerment, has frowned on the alleged attempted murder by the American man against Jessica, who was said to be in a love affair with Richards when the incident happened.
On September 14, at 3 PM, it was reported that Richards, an American Missionary Lucas Richards of a Creekside Church allegedly drove the victim, Jessica Lloyd, around Dixville in Caldwell outside Monrovia, where he attacked and injured her, leaving her with lacerations on her neck, the back of her head, and fingers.
But the Liberia National Police later launched an investigation into the matter on allegations of Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder and Aggravated Assault.
In a release issued in Monrovia dated Tuesday September 19, 2023, the Gender Officer of WOSI, Madam Onike Tenesee Freeman condemned the attempted murder, expressing the group’s frustration in the form and manner in winch the young lady was allegedly treated.
She noted that WOSI however, applauds the rescuer of Miss. Lloyd from being slaughtered by Mr. Richards an American citizen.
The women’s rights group has also congratulated the government of Liberia for swiftly arresting the alleged attempted murderer of Miss. Jessica Lloyd who is currently behind bar awaiting investigation.
WOSI Gender Officer said in the statement: “Regardless of the level of displeasure, murdering of a lady is totally unacceptable and devilish, we are seeking justice and justice must be served in accordance with the due process of the law.”
At the same time, WOSI is calling on the Embassy of the United States of America near Monrovia and the Creekside Church in Iowa in the United States to allow justice to prevail by ensuring that Mr. Lucas Richards an American citizen faces the law nothing that justice should be done to all man.
The Liberian women’s rights group is meanwhile, rallying support of all civil society and women rights organizations to join the advocacy and seek justice for Miss. Jessica Lloyd.
“If One woman is being violated or abused without justice, it reveals women’s approval for continues abuses or violations against women and girls in Liberia<” Msdam Freeman, WOSI Gender Officer said.
The American culprit, Lucas Richards has now spent several nights at Monrovia Central Prison, while he awaits court trial.
The US Missionary was remanded into the custody of the prison by the Bushrod Island Magisterial Court Judge, Magistrate John L. Giggs.
Lucas whose case, whose trial is expected to kick off soon, was arrested and jailed on charges of alleged commission of the crimes of, “Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder and aggravated Assault”.