The Senator expressed the concern Thursday during regular session, noting that the restriction on the movement of citizens will negatively impact their “search for daily bread,” according to the Liberia News Agency.

Senator Johnson said security officers at the Klay Checkpoint were stopping people from some parts of the county, who had gone to Duala in Monrovia and other markets to buy goods, from re-entering the county even before the state of emergency was declared.

Johnson said as a result of these measures, basic commodities in the county, like fuel, rice, oil and gasoline, are being purchased wholesale by those who can afford, while the majority who cannot afford will soon experience a food crisis as prices of commodities skyrocket. 

He noted that even though a state of emergency is crucial at a time like this, it must be accompanied by an action by the government to address the basic needs of the people.

Bomi County is located in the northwestern Liberia and borders Grand Cape Mount, Gbarpolu and Montserrado counties.

It has a population of over 82,000, with most residents dependent on agriculture for a livelihood.

By Winnie Dixon (Intern)

LINA WTD/JGT/TSS/PTK