By By: The People News Online
For close to nine years, a dispute surrounding land purchased in 2017 has persisted, marked by legal complexity and deep emotional strain. From the outset, the property was occupied without lawful authorization, setting the stage for a prolonged and often misunderstood struggle for the legitimate owners.
Throughout the years, the owners maintained an approach grounded in dialogue and humanitarian consideration. Before any planned clearing of portions of the land, occupants were consistently informed in advance and offered assistance to relocate. In many cases, however, these offers were not acted upon in time. Meaningful engagement often only followed the commencement of eviction processes, placing an extended and inequitable burden on the rightful owners.
A notable episode occurred in February 2021, when a sitting lawmaker intervened, temporarily stopping the eviction. Acting in good faith, the owners agreed to community-based settlement discussions. Yet, the process was undermined by limited cooperation from several occupants and allegations of false claims by individuals asserting residence in structures they did not occupy.
By late 2025, arrangements were underway to clear the remaining portion of the land. In November of that year, the owner personally visited the community to clearly outline the impending actions. While some families accepted relocation support at that stage, others declined or delayed. Importantly, despite the time available, those who remained did not pursue legal remedies, such as formally petitioning the Supreme Court to present their case.
After the lawful eviction carried out over the past weekend, a wave of emotionally charged content surfaced on social media, seeking to shape public perception. The matter has also been taken up by certain political actors, turning a private legal dispute into a tool for political advantage.
Given the repeated opportunities extended beforehand, the owners initially decided that no assistance would be offered after the eviction. However, following renewed appeals from a current lawmaker calling for a humanitarian response, they reconsidered. Consequently, an additional LRD 3.5 million has been provided, separate from the substantial sums already distributed to affected families in December 2025 and early January 2026.
This prolonged situation has imposed an undue and heavy toll on the property owners. As Liberians, they possess the same rights as any other citizen, including the right to peacefully enjoy their legally acquired property. There is a sincere appeal for political figures to refrain from exploiting this sensitive issue for short-term gain. Continued politicization only aggravates the suffering of those directly involved and obstructs a resolution that respects both the rule of law and humanitarian concern.
