A routine anti-power theft operation carried out by the Liberia Electricity Corporation’s (LEC) Anti-Power Theft Taskforce (APT) at Nezoe Junction on Friday turned violent, leaving one of its supervisors, Mr. J. Lampard Wah, seriously injured. According to preliminary accounts, the taskforce team discovered two illegal electricity connections at a local compound during the operation.
The female occupant of the property reportedly admitted to bypassing meters, citing the absence of replacements following earlier theft incidents. When the taskforce attempted to disconnect the unauthorized wires, her husband, identified as Mr. Ansu Kromah, arrived at the scene and violently resisted the operation. Kromah, who falsely claimed to be a Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Officer, was joined by several family members in physically attacking the taskforce officers. Eyewitnesses disclosed that during the altercation, Kromah struck Supervisor Wah multiple times and attempted to forcibly retrieve the disconnected wires.
The situation escalated further when Kromah allegedly used a sharp object, believed to be a cutlass, to inflict a severe head wound on Wah. During the incident, the taskforce noted that Kromah was found in possession of what appeared to be a firearm. Fearing for their safety, the team made a tactical retreat and immediately called for backup from law enforcement authorities. Wah was quickly rushed to a nearby hospital, where he remains under medical care. Law enforcement officers later apprehended Kromah, who is currently detained at Police Headquarters in Monrovia.
The Liberia National Police (LNP) has since launched a full investigation into both the illegal electricity connections and the violent assault. Authorities have assured the public that the matter will be treated with the utmost seriousness, and those responsible will face the full weight of the law. During initial questioning, Kromah is said to have expressed remorse for his actions and offered apologies for the violent confrontation. Despite his apology, the LNP has maintained that due process will take its course, stressing that no individual is above the law, particularly when public safety and essential services are at stake.
The Nezoe Community remains shaken by the incident, with residents describing the violence as shocking and deeply concerning. Many expressed solidarity with Supervisor Wah, praising his courage and the sacrifices of the APT Taskforce in combating widespread electricity theft. Electricity theft has long posed significant challenges to Liberia’s power sector, resulting in financial losses, unstable supply, and threats to both community safety and national development.
The LEC has consistently warned against such practices, highlighting that illegal connections not only damage critical infrastructure but also put lives at risk. However, LEC Management has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding its employees and strengthening anti-power theft operations across the country.
The Corporation condemned the violent assault on Supervisor Wah, noting that it represents an attack not only on its staff but also on national efforts to ensure reliable and affordable electricity for all Liberians. The LEC extended its prayers and best wishes for the speedy recovery of Supervisor Wah and called on communities nationwide to cooperate with the APT Taskforce in eradicating electricity theft.
