MONROVIA – A preliminary investigation by security authorities at the Port of Buchanan has revealed that a man discovered dead on a train belonging to ArcelorMittal was not an employee of the company.
By Willie N. Tokpah/0777039231
The body of a man believed to be in his 30s was found in a wagon by security personnel at the Buchanan Port on Friday night. According to a source at the port, the train, marked 9462, arrived from Yekepa at the section of the port known as Tail Pulley at 5:45 PM, where the train’s wagons are offloaded.
Confirming the discovery of the body, ArcelorMittal Liberia said the individual was discovered whilst operatives were engaged in their regular duties of offloading the iron ore from the wagons at the port.
“ArcelorMittal immediately informed The Liberia National Police who have launched a formal investigation and will cooperate fully with the investigation.”
ArcelorMittal is the largest private investment company in Liberia. The discovery comes days after a stalemate between ArcelorMittal and the community in the company’s concession area in Nimba. This dispute led to the Traditional Bush Masters setting up roadblocks, disrupting the company’s operations. However, following a dialogue between the company and local stakeholders, traditional leaders agreed to remove all roadblocks at ArcelorMittal Liberia’s operations, allowing for ongoing dialogue.
