The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection says it is saddened by the tragic incident at the D. Tweh football field, New Kru Town, a suburb of Monrovia, which reportedly claimed the lives of at least 30 people, including 11 children.
As quoted by the media, the national disaster occurred as a result of a stampede during a church crusade on Wednesday, January 19, 2022.
“The ministry’s thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families and friends as well as those nursing injuries,” a Ministry of Gender’s press release stated.
“Upon receiving this sad news, the ministry immediately dispatched a team of social workers, led by the Assistant Minister for Children and Social Protection, at the site to aid those in distress. Currently, the team is documenting survivors, especially the children without visible parental attachments.
“Additionally, Gender, Children and Social Protection Minister, Williametta E. Saydee-Tarr, has mandated the ministry’s psychosocial counselors to immediately begin the process of conducting psychosocial counseling to assist the bereaved families in handling the traumatic stress associated with such difficult moments,” the release continued.
The ministry says it welcomes the call of the President, H.E. Dr. George Manneh Weah, to the Liberia National Police (LNP) to conduct a full-scale investigation.
“Gender is hopeful that at the end of the investigation stringent measures aimed at protecting public gatherings, especially women and children who are usually the most affected, will be enforced,” the release noted.