An attack perpetrated by members of the gang operating in Tibwadòm, near the commune of Gros-Morne in upper Artibonite, between Friday, June 14, and Saturday, June 15, resulted in 10 deaths, including 6 in Lagon, the 3rd communal section of Terre Neuve, and the other 4 in the locality of Grande Plaine near Savane Carrée in the vicinity of Gros-Morne. One person was injured by gunfire, and around ten houses were set ablaze. Following this tragedy, residents in these two areas continue to live in fear of the gang's potential return to the region and are calling on the police authorities to take necessary action to prevent further violence.
It all began after members of the gang, transported by about ten motorcycles, stormed into the communal section, catching residents by surprise. After spending several hours, they apprehended and abducted Dieubon Desrameaux, a school teacher known as Noula. Leaving Lagon to head towards a locality called "Kafilip," the gang members encountered barricades set up by the local population who had been alerted to their presence in Lagon, preventing them from crossing. Upon returning to Lagon, they attacked local farmers, executing 6 people, including a pastor from the Bethel Church named Pascal Célibon, burned down a house belonging to a former coordinator of the local CASEC, and inflicted the greatest tragedy in the communal section's history.
After their rampage in Lagon, the criminals continued on their path, killing four more people in the locality of Grande Plaine and, according to a local leader, setting fire to about ten houses.
Reached by phone on Sunday, June 16, 2024, the current coordinator of the CASEC in Lagon, Jones Joseph, stated that the gang members also slaughtered several livestock in the area. "They not only murdered people but also targeted livestock. The section is living in absolute fear as there are reports indicating that the gang members may return. After the tragedy, a judge accompanied by police officers only visited the area, but what we need is a constant police presence in the region to prevent a recurrence of this incident," said Jones Joseph.
Several hours after the tragedy, there has been no word from the departmental authorities, while some residents of Lagon are already beginning to flee their homes. Those who remain are demanding concrete actions to permanently dismantle this gang that kidnaps and kills.
Mélius Joseph, Thervéus Saint-Fleur, Dieubon Desrameaux, Chalisma Joseph, Pascal Célibon, and Celifran are the six people murdered by the gang in Lagon. Jeannite Jean, wounded by gunfire, is receiving necessary treatment at a departmental hospital.