By Moses M. Tokpah
/MARGIBI
The Deputy Inspector General for Operations at the Liberia National Police, Jallah Nelson Freeman is urging residents of Weala and its surrounding areas to denounce violence.
This appeal comes following a series of violent protests that have led to significant destruction of both public and private properties.
The history of unrest in Weala dates back to April 1, 2019, when angry residents ignited a wave of violence following the tragic death of a 21-year-old motorcyclist Moses Wolopaye, commonly known as PCK.
In their outcry for justice, protesters set fire on the Weala Police Station, the Baypolu Magisterial Court, and another police facility.
Their anger was further directed towards individuals they believed were linked to the young man’s death.
Homes belonging to Dalla Briggs, alleged to have connections to the murder, and businessman Stephen Tokpa, who was accused after an identification card was reportedly found at the crime scene, were both torched, reflecting the community’s desperation for accountability.
Sometime in June, 2024, the unrest reignited as workers of the Salala Rubber Corporation (SRC), predominantly tappers, staged another violent protest.
This unrest stemmed from grievances regarding payroll discrepancies, specifically the management’s refusal to mark employees absent during prior protests.
The situation escalated as protesters stormed the SRC’s administrative headquarters, destroying property and setting fire to the building that housed the offices of senior management.
The chaos resulted in further vandalism, including the looting of supplies and the destruction of the former Plantation Manager’s home and vehicle. In response to the turmoil, the SRC was shut down and sold to Indian businessman Upjit Singh Sachdeva, known as Jetty.
However, the plantation has continued to experience a spate of fire outbreaks, prompting the government to deploy armed police officers from the Police Support Unit (PSU) for security.
Yet, the presence of these officers has sparked controversy, with many residents expressing feelings of intimidation.
During a recent media briefing in Weala, Cllr. Freeman highlighted the need for the community to come together and foster a peaceful environment.
“Weala has been in the news for many wrong reasons, but there are good people who can exemplify positive character,” he stated.
He called on the residents to work collaboratively towards creating a safe and secured community for all.
Cllr. Freeman also addressed the concerns raised by residents regarding police conduct.
He emphasized the importance of professionalism among the officers, urging them to discharge their duties with integrity and respect for the community.
