GANTA, Nimba – Former Foreign Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan has condemned the increase in ritualistic killings and mob violence in Nimba.

He made the statements in Ganta on Jan. 16 when he served as keynote speaker at the student leaders induction ceremony of Ganta United Methodist High School.

He said, “The tragic turn of men in Ganta that saw the killing of innocent people and the burning down of people’s properties was a sad chapter in the history of this great city.”

“And as such, I therefore categorically condemn these acts of ritualistic killings and mob violence in all its forms and call on all Liberians not to use mob violence as the option to solve problems,” Ngafuan told the listening audience.

He added, “Despite all these, Ganta remains truly resilient, always having the courage and stamina to bounce back and keep on moving.”

The former minister called upon Liberians to use legal means in addressing their plight, and not to take matters into their hands. He said when citizens get engaged in mob violence, innocent people always get victimized.

Ngafuan also used the occasion to call on the government to strengthen the country’s justice system and provide speedy trials.

He noted that if the judicial system of the country were timely and prompt, citizens would not engage in violent acts of retaliation.

Ngafuan served as both Finance and Foreign Affairs Ministers in the Unity Party-led government of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf before resigning ostensibly to contest the upcoming 2017 elections.

Featured photo by Arrington Ballah