Mbelequah, Bong County – In a dramatic escalation of tensions over a disputed diamond, the Liberia National Police’s Detachment in Bong County has launched a comprehensive investigation into allegations of vandalism linked to a group of disgruntled residents in Mbelequah Town, located in the county’s fourth district.
The authorities’ response follows a series of hostile actions by community members against Moses Woah, whose home was vandalized after he was accused of absconding with a diamond reportedly discovered by a local resident Siafa Weahweah. According to Victor S. Tokpah, the Development Chairman of Mbelequah Town, the controversy began weeks ago when Weahweah found what he believed to be a valuable diamond in a drainage near his home.
Tokpah recounted that Weahweah intended to share the find with two friends; however, while on their way to Woah’s farm for traditional farming activities, the precious stone was allegedly snatched from him by Woah. Woah later claimed that he cannot return the diamond to Weahweah because he considered the latter too young to possess such a valuable item. After some time, Woah reportedly left the group at his farm and returned to his home in Foequelleh Town, claiming that the stone had dropped from his pocket during their time together.
Tensions escalated when Woah’s subsequent claim that he had found another stone, purportedly the one that fell from him, was contested during a community dialogue facilitated by officials from the Ministry of Mines and Energy. A subsequent test at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Monrovia revealed that the stone was not a genuine diamond, further exacerbating the situation and leading to acts of vandalism against Woah.
During the tumult, two brothers of Weahweah reportedly seized three single-barrel guns and several rounds of ammunition. These individuals are currently on the run, believed to be hiding in nearby bushes.
Tokpah detailed that police officers initially arrested five individuals linked to the vandalism; they were released after questioning. However, following further investigation, another six people, including the Town Chief, were subsequently arrested and are now under custody in Gbarnga, as confirmed by Police Commander Fasu Sheriff.
When contacted for further details, Assistant Commissioner of Police Fasu Sheriff acknowledged the ongoing investigation and the circumstances surrounding the arrests, underscoring the police’s commitment to addressing the violence and restoring order in the community. He noted that the police focus is squarely on the vandalism, and not the diamond issue. According to him, the Ministry of Mines and Energy is the authorized body to investigate the mineral situation.
As the situation continues to develop, the authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to resolve the tensions and bring those responsible for the vandalism to justice.
