U.S. Government expresses regret over deaths of Christians at crusade in Liberia

By Patrick Stephen Tokpah in Monrovia & James Kokulo Fasuekoi in Minneapolis, MN

Banner photo by our trainee news photographer Moses Carter Tamba

The United States Government through its embassy near the Liberian capital, Monrovia has paid special tribute to the government and people of the Republic of Liberia for the deaths of 29 people crushed at a church gathering last Wednesday at a school compound in the capital. 

Our correspondent reported that the U.S. Embassy, on behalf of the US Government released a statement Thursday, a day after the tragedy and extended “deepest condolences” to families of the innocent victims and hoped for a speedy recovery of those hospitalized.

The embassy news release said it has joined the government of the Republic of Liberia in observance of a three-day mourning period to honor worshippers who died as a result of the stampede.  

On Wednesday night, January 19, 2022 about 29 worshippers including children and a pregnant woman perished as a result of a stampede after the crowd broke up in panic and ran helter skelter, seeking refuge, upon hearing news that gangsters, armed with “guns and knives” had invaded their meeting. 

The tragedy erupted moments after the meeting many described as “jammed packed” ended and people hastily rushed out to go home. The event was hosted by a pastor named Abraham Kromah who heads the Word of Life Outreach Ministry of Liberia.

The invaders are said to have robbed worshippers of their personal items including cell phones and cash at knife point.

A man reportedly found with a knife either near or at the scene of the misfortune was later arrested by security forces.

During President Weah’s visit to the scene Thursday evening a female eyewitness interviewed by reporters alleged the crusade organizers had cut off the electricity moments after the event finished, leaving the people in total darkness and vulnerable. 

She praised soldiers of the National Army, AFL for going above and beyond, trying to rescue people and provide protection that night under such precarious conditions. 

The AFL had been embroiled in a serious controversy at some point during the first civil war with many accusing or questioning its own role in the war, and arguing it too played a factional role in that war.  

Over the years since war ended in the country, the national army has received immense rehabilitation through US foreign aid, all aimed to help restore the AFL to its prewar status and it is now involved in foriegn peacekeeping duties particularly in Mali. 

Of the 29 persons who died in the tragedy, Dr. Williamata Gibson of Redemption Hospital told reporters 18 were adults and 11 children. One pregnant woman was among the dead.

Those who got injured from the accident reached a total of 16 persons, some in critical condition, according to authorities at Redemption. 

According to our correspondent, 27 of those deceased have been identified while two remained unidentified. The country’s health minister has asked the public for help in identifying the remaining two.

Also, authorities at Redemption have disclosed that nine of the dead have been removed by their loved ones  for burial. 

At a news conference during the week police said they were questioning several persons of interest including a pastor who hosted the meeting referred to as “Apostle Kromah” together with some of his congregants in relation to the tragedy. 

In a related story, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Thursday, also extended its sincere condolences to the affected families according to a statement.

The UNDP further observed that the latest tragedy in Bushrod Island’s New Kru Town sharply highlights the urgency required in addressing the plight of unemployed youths and the drug abuse menace in the country.

Meanwhile, the Word of Life Outreach Ministry has issued a statement in Liberia, expressing her regret over “the loss of lives” at its Wednesday night meeting.

The statement said the church has been checking in with families whose relatives died at the crusade as it works with local police investigating the tragedy.