PAYNESVILLE, Montserrado – Following the killing of a commercial motorcycle rider, tension has built up between motorcyclists and officers of the Liberia National Police at the Red Light junction. The motorcyclists allege that their colleague was killed by a policeman.

The situation brought normal activities in that area to a standstill mid-afternoon on Thursday as residents were fleeing to safety. Witnesses have reported seeing motorcyclists setting police buildings to flame in retaliation. The police have sent for reinforcements from the armed unit of the LNP.

Firefighters battle flames as onlookers watch near the Red Light junction. Photo: Cyrus Sackie

According to the police spokesman Sam Collins, the police unit in the area where the incident erupted could not bring the situation under control. This resulted in a call to bring in more officers from the central office.

He described the clash as a crisis between the police and the group of motorcyclists in the area.

Collins said the cause of the death, of the commercial motor bike rider will be investigated.

He said he cannot state any reason at the moment but promised to provide feedback of new developments.

Crowds gather atop the LBDI bank building to watch the commotion. Photo: Sheik Jalloh.

This is the second death of a motorcyclist in less than a week. An Armed Forces of Liberia personnel was arrested by the police on Tuesday in the Thinker Village community for killing a motorcyclist.

Amos Kerkula, an executive member of the Liberia Motorcyclists Union said he will address the press on Friday.

The union’s leadership is currently holding talks with the police authorities in Monrovia.

Featured photo courtesy of Sheik Jalloh.