MONROVIA, Montserrado – Following an August 4 riot in Paynesville’s Red Light commercial district, the Liberia National Police have arrested 12 individuals.
According to Moses Carter, the police spokesperson, on Sunday, August 4, an angry crowd stormed hideouts of suspected drug users and criminals with sticks and stones. They aimed to avenge the stabbing of a private security guard, Flomo Johnson of the Johnsonville Pipeline community. Johnson died from his injuries.
Carter said police intervened and restored calm after the mob violence left several areas vandalized.
They also arrested Semion Ben, Emmanuel Bore, Ruth Zammie, Jomah Diallo, Isaiah Sayo, Junior Davies, and Sayma Smith. Others are Ishmael Johnson, Manon Supu, J. Fatuma Folley, Mulbah Jomah, and Perry Domah.
“The suspects are presently in police custody undergoing investigation,†Carter said.
Numerous news reports said Johnson was attacked and killed by petty thieves and drug addicts, commonly referred to as zogos. The criminals had reportedly demanded that Johnson hand over his cell phone, which he refused to do, prompting them to stab him in his neck.
The body of Flomo Johnson after being stabbed by criminals. Photo: Alvin Worzi
After a fistfight, Johnson was reportedly overpowered and fell into nearby drainage along Pipeline Road, where he later died.
Featured photo by Zeze Ballah
