Monrovia, Liberia–The Deputy Director of the Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO), Clarence H. Cole, has alleged that his vehicle was attacked on Saturday evening in what he believes was a politically motivated incident fueled by recent inflammatory rhetoric issued by Byron Brown; media supervisor to former Speaker, now detained Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa.
Cole, in a statement asserted that a group of unidentified individuals assaulted his car as he was driving home, an act he attributes to his identification as a government official, stating that he fortunately escaped unharmed.
The incident occurred just hours after Byron Brown, former media supervisor for ex-House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, publicly called on opposition supporters to confront and attack government officials if Koffa is not released from custody. The statement has stirred significant controversy and heightened security concerns among members of the government.
In a Facebook post following the incident, Cole expressed his alarm and called on national security agencies to take Brown’s remarks seriously.
“The statement of Byron Brown should be given serious attention,” Cole wrote. “Last evening driving home, I encountered some group of young people who attacked my car only because they recognized me as an official of government. Thank God I was able to pull out and nothing happened to me.”
Cole further claimed that a video posted by a social media user identified as James Good Day Flomo showed Byron Brown allegedly encouraging violent actions against government officials.
“I just came across a video posted by James Good Day Flomo where Byron Brown is revealing that they have instructed thugs to attack all officials of government,” Cole stated.
The deputy director’s allegations have prompted calls from within the administration and civil society for an investigation into the incident and for a broader response to what some see as rising political tensions in the country.
Calls for calm and restraint have echoed across several platforms, as citizens and public figures weigh in on the implications of such statements and the potential threat to public safety and the rule of law.
As of press time, there has been no public comment from Byron Brown regarding the accusations, nor has there been any official police confirmation or arrest related to the alleged attack on Mr. Cole’s vehicle.
Authorities have been urged to urgently address the situation to prevent further escalation and to ensure the safety of all Liberians, regardless of their political affiliation.
