REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, MONROVIA -- Authorities imposed a curfew in a town in northern Liberia after violent protests following a wave of suspected ritual killings, authorities said on Wednesday.

Residents of Ganta on the border with Guinea said protests began after the killing of a motorcyclist on Wednesday. That came just a day after the discovery of the body of a 13-year-old girl who had disappeared weeks earlier.

A local police commander said one person was killed and several were wounded in the protests, in which several properties were destroyed. Government officials in Monrovia did not confirm the death.

"We will not hesitate to bring to book anyone in connection with this violence," Justice Minister Benedict Sannoh said in a national address. He said six people had been arrested for their part in the protests.

The girl's death was the most recent in what is believed to be a years-long string of ritualistic killings in the area that have been blamed by local residents on politicians and businessmen seeking political power.

Though relatively rare, cases of ritual murders have been recorded in several African countries, with body parts sometimes used in ceremonies believed to confer supernatural powers. Children are particularly sought out as targets.

Residents said violence erupted after two people who were arrested for the girl's murder said a local businessman had hired them to perform it.

A police spokesman said that rioters also broke into Ganta's police station and released 22 prisoners. He said the businessman has been arrested in Gbarnga in the center of Liberia.

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