Rivercess County — The Liberia National Red Cross Society has announced immediate plans to assist in rebuilding Bethel Town in Dodian District following a devastating fire that destroyed 24 homes and 27 kitchens, leaving over 150 women and children homeless.
The disaster, now linked to a wave of vigilante violence, has forced families into dire conditions, with many sleeping in a town hall, two surviving houses, or out in the open. Overcrowded and unsafe conditions have heightened fears of disease outbreaks, including malaria, as well as other infections among displaced residents.
According to residents, the destruction followed a violent attack about ten days ago when more than 100 men from neighboring communities in the Bah Clan stormed Bethel Town. The attackers reportedly beat residents and set fire to homes and food stores, leaving the community in ruins.
The violence was allegedly triggered by the disappearance of a hunter in his 30s from nearby Garwein Town. Rumors quickly spread accusing Bethel residents of killing the man as part of a traditional ritual, prompting retaliatory action. Residents claimed that men from Garwein mobilized surrounding communities to carry out the action.
Eyewitness accounts describe a brutal assault on the largely defenseless village. At the time of the attack, only two elderly men were present. One, who is visually impaired, was rescued by his grandchild, while the other was allegedly tied up and beaten after being accused of witchcraft in connection to the hunter’s disappearance.
Residents further alleged that several homes were looted before being set ablaze. Rice kitchens—small mud structures used for cooking and food storage—were quickly consumed by the flames, worsening food insecurity in the community. Three small shops were also ransacked, leaving only a church, the palaver hut, and one residential structure standing.
“The time the people them came, I was inside,” said resident Cathrine Gbar. “I asked what you come do? They say they coming burn this town.” She further alleged that one of the attackers desecrated her food before setting her kitchen on fire.
Speaking during a visit to Rivercess County, the Chief Executive Officer of the Red Cross, Gregory Blamoh, described the intervention as critical to restoring hope and dignity. “Our support to the people of Bethel Town is more than charity—it is a lifeline. It is a chance to give back dignity and stop a child from sleeping in the cold,” he said.
As part of the recovery effort, the Red Cross will provide each affected household with essential building materials, including three bundles of zinc, cement, and nails. The organization also plans to support a transition from traditional mud-dug homes to more durable dirt brick structures. Tools such as a manual brick molding machine, wheelbarrows, shovels, and diggers will also be supplied, with guidance from skilled local technicians and contractors.
Blamoh emphasized the urgency of collective support, noting that the tragedy highlights how quickly lives can be shattered. He expressed concern for vulnerable groups, including women, children, the elderly, and those with existing health conditions, stressing that the response goes beyond rebuilding infrastructure to restoring dignity and resilience.
The Red Cross also acknowledged support from partners such as the Swedish Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross, while calling on additional organizations and individuals to support recovery efforts.
Rivercess County Superintendent Byron W. Sahnwea expressed gratitude for the intervention, describing it as a demonstration of “true humanity.” He noted that the Red Cross is the first to respond on the ground with significant recovery support and pledged the county’s full cooperation to ensure the success of the initiative.
The planned rebuilding effort is expected to bring relief to affected families while laying the foundation for a safer and more resilient Bethel Town.
