Monrovia, Liberia: Â The CEO of BanaBridge Liberia Inc., Ms Georgian Yoade Cooper, narrowly escaped an attempted abduction Friday morning while on her way to work in Monrovia. The shocking incident occurred around 8 a.m. after she boarded a kehkeh, a commercial tricycle taxi, from Broad Street to the BanaBridge Studio in Lakpazee Zoo Community.
According to an official statement issued by the company, the kehkeh was occupied by a group of men dressed in black hoodies and nose masks. From the moment she sat down, the CEO sensed something was wrong but tried to remain calm.
“As they approached the Capital Bypass, one of the men suddenly wrapped his arm around her neck,” the statement reads. “Despite her protests, the driver remained silent and ignored her pleas for help.”
Realizing she was being targeted, the CEO began to scream and threatened to alert the police. Her screams intensified until the attackers, seemingly panicked by the attention it might draw, opened the door and threw her out onto the road.
She sustained severe pain in her right ankle from the fall and is currently receiving medical care and trauma support. Fortunately, no other physical injuries were reported.
“They didn’t want my phone, my bag, or even my laptop,” she later said. “They wanted me. And they were ready to take me by force.”
In its official response, BanaBridge Liberia Inc. strongly condemned the attack and called on national authorities to act swiftly.
“This traumatic experience has only strengthened our resolve to amplify stories that matter; stories that demand justice, protection, and change,” the company stated. “We call on the Government of Liberia, the Ministry of Justice, and the Liberia National Police to immediately investigate this incident and take robust steps to ensure the safety of all commuters, particularly women.”
The company also used the moment to urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior involving public transportation, adding, “No one should ever fear for their life simply because they boarded public transport.”
The CEO was on her way to record the second edition of her newly launched podcast at the time of the incident. BanaBridge Liberia Inc., a creative and media arm of the BanaBridge LLC, has reaffirmed its commitment to journalism, storytelling, and community empowerment.
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