CESTOS, River Cess – Barely a week after media reports of high levels of crime in the county, armed police officers have been deployed across River Cess.

While no official explanations have been given for the police operation, the officers are likely patrolling the county to temper concerns raised after recent complaints by the county superintendent of the county’s increasing murder rate.

Superintendent Matthew Daniels of River Cess had told the press that ritualistic killings were increasing in number and that with 50 people murdered in 2016, the number of police assigned to the county – 16 for a population of over 71,000 – was inadequate.

The murder figures provided by Daniels indicated that nearly every week, someone went missing and was found dead. Many of the bodies had parts removed that were likely used in rituals. This practice increases in frequency around Liberia during elections, as individuals seeking power go through these rituals as a way to ensure their success.

In River Cess, Daniels said these murders were continuing because of the small and poorly equipped police force.

County information officer Isaac Williams told The Bush Chicken that the officers are in the county to help the River Cess police officers.

“I don’t really have enough information about their operation,” Williams said. “But all I can say for now is that they are here to beef up the strength of the officers assigned in the county.”

He added that the new officers would be in the county for one month, after which the government would decide whether or not to increase the county’s police force.

Featured photo by UN Photo/Christopher Herwig