Written by Peter Fahny & Vivian Gartyn
Source: Star Radio Liberia
Thousands of illicit miners have taken over the gold mining district of Betibah in Voinjama, Lofa County driving out immigration officers assigned in the area.
Betibah is a forest town in Voinjama along the border with Guinea, but BIN officials say the miners came into the country through the Quardu-Gboni District.
Our correspondent says the illicit miners believed to be mainly ex-combatants from Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone attacked the two officers assigned in the area.
According to our correspondent, the miners broke into the house where the officers were lodging, and threatened to kill them if they did not leave immediately.
The officers had gone to verify the nationality of those residing in the camp and their occupation when the group of illicit miners confronted them.
Residents of the area and a surrounding town told Star Radio they are living in fear, as the hostile miners usually harass them and disrespect local authorities.
Our correspondent gathered, the situation has been going on for the past three months.
Meanwhile, the administrative assistant to Lofa County superintendent, George Tengbeh has called on government to immediately intervene.
When contacted, BIN officials in Monrovia said they are verifying the reports with commanders in the region and will address the situation soon.
