ZWEDRU – A forest ranger of the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) is in critical condition following a violent attack in the Cavalla Forest, allegedly carried out by an unidentified Burkinabè national.
By Peter P. Toe, Contributing Writer
The incident occurred over the weekend while 39-year-old Prince Gaye was conducting a routine patrol approximately 25 minutes from the main road. Gaye reported encountering a man believed to be in possession of a large quantity of drugs.
When he attempted to apprehend the suspect, the individual reportedly resisted, disarmed Gaye, and used the ranger’s own cutlass to inflict multiple wounds before fleeing the scene.
Despite his injuries, Gaye escaped and was initially taken to the Martha Tubman Memorial Hospital in Zwedru before being transferred to Tapitta Hospital for advanced treatment. Medical staff have described his condition as critical.
Authorities from the Liberia National Police have since launched a manhunt for the suspect, who remains at large. The identity of the attacker is yet to be confirmed.
This latest incident has renewed national concern over the influx of undocumented Burkinabè nationals in southeastern Liberia, especially in forested and border communities. In June 2024, Maryland County District #2 Representative Anthony F. Williams raised alarms over an estimated 60,000 unprofiled Burkinabè nationals residing across counties such as Grand Gedeh, River Gee, Grand Kru, and Maryland.
The joint government assessment, conducted by the House LRRRC Committee, Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC), and UNHCR, cited environmental degradation, deforestation, and public safety concerns linked to the undocumented population.
Efforts to address the issue have faced setbacks. In October 2024, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai suspended three senior officials of the LRRRC—Executive Director Patrick Worzie, Deputy Executive Director for Operations Richard Hoff, and Deputy Executive Director for Administration AJ Armah Karneh—over financial misconduct allegations. The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission has since opened an investigation.
Meanwhile, a recent European Union investigative tour in Grand Gedeh confirmed widespread involvement of Burkinabè nationals in illegal logging, wildlife poaching, and unauthorized land occupation. The EU report, presented to the House Committee on LRRRC, warned of potential conflict between displaced local communities and foreign settlers.
With FDA ranger Prince Gaye battling for his life and the suspect still at large, residents of southeastern Liberia are demanding urgent government action. Community leaders are calling for increased security, a comprehensive investigation, and stronger border enforcement to prevent further incidents and protect the region’s natural resources.
