Monrovia, Liberia — Hundreds of residents were displaced Saturday after heavy-duty equipment demolished homes along 4th and 5th Streets in Sinkor, as authorities enforced a court ruling in favor of a private landowner.
Bulldozers and front-end loaders moved into the Saye Town community early in the day, flattening structures and leaving families scrambling to salvage their belongings, many of which were left scattered along the streets. The demolition affected more than two acres of land and rendered entire households homeless.
Several residents said they were not given prior notice before the operation began. Many also questioned the legitimacy of the land claim, arguing that they have occupied the property for decades.
“We bought these places in the 1970s; some in the 1980s,” one distressed resident said. “How can someone who bought property in 2011 remove us like this? My father bought this land in 1976.”
The sudden displacement has left families without shelter and with no immediate relocation plan, intensifying calls for urgent government intervention. Victims of the land dispute are appealing to both local leaders and national authorities to provide relief and pursue a more humane resolution.
The Acting Youth Chairperson of the Saye Town Community urged the Liberian Government to act swiftly to address the crisis. “Families are in urgent need of relocation and support. The government must act to prevent further suffering,” the chairperson said.
In response, Representative Prince Toles announced that more than LRD 3.5 million has been secured to assist those affected. According to him, the funds will be used to provide immediate relief while a verification process is conducted.
“We will work with Saye Town community leaders and other stakeholders to prepare an accurate, verified list of those affected, including the church, and begin disbursement next week,” Toles said. “We are deeply saddened by what has happened and will continue to seek additional support for our citizens.”
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the demolition, displaced residents continue to call on the government and relevant authorities to provide immediate humanitarian assistance and ensure that families affected by the land dispute are not left destitute.
Hundreds of residents were displaced Saturday after heavy-duty equipment demolished homes along 4th and 5th Streets in Sinkor, as authorities enforced a court ruling in favor of a private landowner.
