by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) - Twenty-nine worshippers were killed in a stampede at an all-night Christian worship event in Liberia last month, after a violent street gang attacked organizers on the stage while an offering was being collected, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
Liberians are being terrorized by armed street gangs who commit robberies and create a culture of fear and violence in this West African nation.
On January 19, 2022, a mob of gang members stormed the stage at a Christian worship event that was being held at New Kru Town, outside the capital city of Monrovia, Reuters reported.
A stampede broke out as worshippers attempted to flee the attackers.
"The doctors said 29 persons died and some are on the critical list," witness Jalawah Tonpo told Reuters. "This is a sad day for the country," Tonpo said.
Another witness, Exodus Morias, told Reuters: “We saw a group of men with cutlasses and other weapons coming toward the crowd. While running, some people dropped, and others fell on the ground and walked over them.”
Police have launched an investigation, and have questioned the event organizer, known as Apostle Abraham Kromah, ICC said.
The International Christian Concern advocacy group has issued a call for prayer for the safety of the churches and people of Liberia from ongoing gang violence. “Please also pray for the capability and desire of gang members to seek other sources of income outside of robbery,” ICC said.