Duala turned to a zone of panic and fear when officers of the Liberia National Police (LNP) entered a fierce gunfire exchange with hidden criminals on yesterday, November 23, 2021, leaving several persons sustaining injuries, as three of the victims are reportedly in critical condition at the John F Kenendy Hospital. During the gunfire exchange between the criminals and the LNP officers, four police officers also got wounded.
Speaking to journalists on the ground of incident, LNP Inspector General, Patrick Sudue, said there is an area in the Duala area, called “The Base”. This place, according to him, is occupied by hardcore criminals who, on a daily basis, harass peaceful citizens and marketers. He said the Liberia National Police (LNP) has received several complaints from citizens living in that part of the county; as such, they decided to effectuate the raid.
IG Sudue explained that they were also told that the criminals allegedly have guns, which they use to harass peaceful citizens, making the place a no-go zone for citizens.
He however implored residents of Duala to remain calm, as the police is taking seize of the situation, in order to return the area to peaceful living. He assured that the LNP will protect whoever informs them if the criminals come back in the area.
For his part, the Monrovia City Mayor, Jefferson Koijee, pointed out that the city police is working with the Liberia National Police (LNP) to chase those hidden criminals out of the area.
Mayor Koijee also said the city government cannot compromise the security of its people, and so they will remain with the residents of Duala to make sure that the area is safe and clear of those alleged criminals.
He revealed that the criminals are allegedly carrying fire arms, as well as other weapons, which left some police officers injured.