By E. J. Nathaniel Daygbor
Riot police are deployed in the southeastern city of Zwedru as residents burn homes and public facilities in reaction to the death of the region’s lawmakers, which they blame on African voodoo.
On Tuesday morning, December 05, the nation woke up to sad news of the sudden passing of Grand Gedeh County Electoral District # 1 Representative Erol Madison Gwion.
Young people, mainly supporters of the deceased lawmakers took to the streets and communities of Zwedru in a violent protest that left properties destroyed and lives endangered.
The mob firstly set ablaze the building hosting the county’s traditional chiefs and zoes before burning to ground two compounds belonging to the county’s Senator Emmanuel Zoe Pennue on suspicion of foul play into the death of his fellow lawmaker.
Cause of death is yet unknown. Rioting youths are pointing accusing fingers at Senator Pennue and some traditional leaders of using African voodoos on the late lawmaker. Senator Pennue’s phone did not connect for comment.
Gwion had travelled to India for medical treatment following his election to the House of Representatives in October.
The high school teacher entered the House in 2020 to fill the vacated seat after Pennue’s Senate win in the midterm vote.
The National Elections Commission scheduled Gwion along with other elected lawmakers for certification on Dec. 8 to prepare for official sitting on Jan. 16.
