GBARNGA, Jan 2 (LINA) - Calm has finally returned to Gold Camp in Bong County following confusion sparked by a Christmas Day celebration by members of the Gio and Mano ethnic groups.
The Gios and Manos, without approval of camp authorities, engaged in traditional festivities, taking over the entire camp in celebration
But the celebration turned sour when the celebrants, many of whom were believed to be under the influence of alcohol, began rubbing traditional chalk on the faces of others, leading to a build-up of tension in the camp.
Other residents protested the action of the ethnic Gios and Manos, resulting to a violent confrontation that left nine persons seriously injured, with most of the victims taken to hospital.
Bong County Development Superintendent Anthony Sheriff told the Liberia News Agency Thursday that due to threat by the opposing groups to burn down Gold Camp, the Liberia National Police (LNP) and the UN Police (UNPOL) were called in the following day to restore calm to the area.
“In a Town Hall meeting, we found out that the case had traditional and security aspects. Some members of the Gio and Mano ethnic groups were arrested and are facing police investigation in Gbarnga,” Supt. Sheriff said.
Gold camp is a multi-cultural mining camp in Kokoyah District, Bong County that is supervised by the local branch of the Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy.
Most of the residents are involved in artisanal gold mining.
LINA BMK/TSS/PTK