By: James Kollie – Lofa County
Voinjama – Police in Voinjama City have arrested three hunters and confiscated 29 single-barrel guns in connection with a shooting incident in Kugbemai Town, Lofa County.
According to authorities, the Liberia National Police in Voinjama were alerted during the morning hours of May 28 by officials from Kugbemai regarding a shooting involving 35-year-old Coneteh Selekie.
The incident occurred while Selekie was on his peanut farm, where he also hunts for grass cutters.
Lofa County Police Detachment Commander, ACP Tarnue N. Kerkula, stated that the victim noticed someone nearby on his farm and, while investigating, heard a gunshot. Selekie sustained multiple wounds to the neck.
Following the report, Commander Kerkula dispatched a team of officers to the scene to initiate a full investigation.
As part of their efforts, police arrested three suspects and seized 29 single-barrel firearms believed to have been used the previous night.
The arrested individuals have been identified as: Ansu Kroma, 34, Selekie Trawallay, 35 and Amadu Sheriff, 33.
Commander Kerkula confirmed that all seized weapons are currently in police custody as the investigation continues. The victim is receiving medical treatment at Telewoyan Memorial Hospital in Voinjama.
Kerkula also expressed concern over a disturbing trend, noting that this is the second incident in two months involving hunters shooting one another. He cited a recent case in Gbortemai, Kolahun District, where a hunter named Kpehe allegedly shot and killed his friend. In that incident, police recovered seven additional single-barrel guns.
Authorities say the confiscated firearms will be handed over to the Liberia National Commission on Small Arms for verification and further action. Unregistered firearms, they emphasized, pose a serious threat to public safety and could lead to further tragic incidents if not properly regulated.
