Tensions flared on the Fendall Campus of the University of Liberia on Monday as police officers, led by Unit 107 Commander Rufus S. Blamo, arrested six individuals ~ five believed to be members of the Student Unification Party (SUP) and one commercial tricycle (keh-keh) rider ~ following reports of a planned student protest.
According to police sources, the operation was prompted by intelligence suggesting that a protest was being organized on the Fendall Campus. The arrests come just hours after SUP members staged a demonstration on the Capitol Hill campus of the state-run university, demanding a series of reforms from the university administration.
While authorities have yet to confirm whether the individuals arrested on the Fendall Campus were directly involved in any protest action, eyewitnesses told this paper that the students appeared unaware of any protest and were detained after being suspected by police of planning or participating in the demonstration.
The individuals arrested were identified as:
1. Yusuf B. Kamara
2. Terry K. Tarwlue
3. Jackie E. Donnie
4. Joseph Morlu
5. Alfred N. Kollie
6. Erickson S.B. Sargbeh (keh-keh rider)
All six were transported to the Monrovia Central Prison following their arrest. No official charges had been announced at press time.
This incident marks a growing tension between student activists and law enforcement at the University of Liberia, as student leaders continue to demand academic and administrative reforms.
