Monrovia, Liberia – Hundreds of residents in parts of Montserrado County have been left homeless following the demolition of homes built in alleyways and on disputed land — a move strongly supported by their county’s senator, Abraham Darius Dillon.
In recent weeks, several structures in communities including Saye Town were torn down on the orders of the court. Authorities say the buildings were erected in clearly defined alleyways and on properties under legal dispute, obstructing public access and posing safety concerns.
The demolitions have sparked emotional scenes across affected neighborhoods. Parents, single mothers, and elderly residents gathered to plead with their lawmakers to intervene, saying they had nowhere else to go. Many described losing lifelong investments and called for government compassion.
However, appearing as a guest on OK FM on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Senator Dillon publicly endorsed the government’s actions.
“Any structure that is in clearly defined alleyways and the government wants to use it to get access to the people and the public for safety and development — break it!” Dillon declared during the broadcast.
According to the senator, alleyways are intended to provide access for emergency services, sanitation, and other essential public functions. He argued that allowing private structures to block such pathways undermines public safety and urban development efforts.
But for many displaced residents, the senator’s remarks came as a painful blow. Several expressed frustration and disappointment, noting that they once viewed him as a refuge and advocate for ordinary citizens.
“We ran to him because we trusted him,” one affected resident said. “Now we feel abandoned.”
While government officials maintain that the demolitions were carried out in compliance with court orders and urban planning regulations, critics argue that insufficient notice and lack of relocation support have worsened the humanitarian impact.
As the debate continues, questions remain over how authorities will address the growing number of displaced families and whether measures will be introduced to prevent similar crises in the future.
