Liberia: Public Works Allegedly Linked to House Demolitions: Keamu Family Forced into Hiding After Home Set Ablaze and Looted

Monrovia – The 72nd Kpelle Town community in Paynesville has recently been gripped by panic and terror following a violent incident that has left residents in shock. Reports indicate that the home of Mr. Johnson S. Keamu, a long-time resident of the area, was set ablaze by an angry mob after he was accused of being behind the Ministry of Public Works’ decision to demolish homes built on government alleyways.

According to information gathered, the Ministry of Public Works embarked on a demolition exercise targeting homes that were illegally constructed on government land. The operation, aimed at improving road access and community development, was met with stiff resistance from affected residents. The situation escalated when community members accused Mr. Keamu of orchestrating the demolition, leading to the violent attack on his home.

Background of the Incident

The demolition exercise, carried out by the Ministry’s Zoning Division, began on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, as part of a broader campaign to clear alleyways obstructed by unauthorized structures. The initiative also included identifying and marking buildings that violated the National Zoning Law and the Ministry’s Construction Policy. Structures marked for demolition were cleared to facilitate road access and beautification projects in Monrovia and surrounding areas.

In addition to the demolition, the Ministry imposed fines on owners of structures built without the required Construction Permits, underscoring its commitment to public safety and regulatory compliance.

Attack on Keamu’s Family

On the evening of the incident, a group of residents armed with sticks, stones, and machetes gathered outside Mr. Keamu’s home. Accusing him of betraying the community by supporting the government’s demolition efforts, the mob grew increasingly violent. Despite Mr. Keamu’s protests and denials, the attackers vandalized his property and eventually set part of his house on fire. Fearing for their lives, Mr. Keamu and his family fled their home, which was also looted during the chaos.

In an interview, Mr. Keamu expressed his shock and disbelief over the attack, stating, “I was shocked that my own neighbors and community friends would do such a thing to me and my family.” He revealed that the incident followed a series of threats from those affected by the demolition and other individuals in the community.

“They burned my house and threatened to kill me and my family. The Community Chairman, Darneka Harris, was one of the key persons inciting the victims of the demolition to destroy my property and get at me,” Mr. Keamu claimed.

He further recounted how, early on Sunday morning, his house was burglarized, with valuable items such as a 5KVA generator, flat-screen TV, laptops, phones, air conditioner, children’s tablets, cooking pots, wheelbarrows, water barrels, and wedding rings stolen. “They locked me in my room and set the house on fire, but God saved me. I don’t know how the fire was extinguished, but my family and I are now in hiding. School is about to open, my children are traumatized, and we cannot go back home,” he lamented.

Appeal for Government Intervention

Mr. Keamu is now calling on the government, through the Ministry of Public Works and the Liberia National Police (LNP), to act by providing security for his family and recovering the stolen items. “No police officer has come to my house to ensure our security. There are rumors in the community that people are planning to burn down my house completely and possibly kill me,” he warned.

He acknowledged the efforts of Sheriff S. Kuyateh, who, during the night of the incident, helped to disperse the crowd, but stressed that his life and that of his family remain in danger.

Police Response

When contacted, the Superintendent of Police for Zone 9, Margaret Forh, confirmed the incident, stating, “Yes, it is true that Mr. Keamu’s house was vandalized and set ablaze, but thankfully, the house did not burn down completely.” She added that two suspects have been arrested and are awaiting court trials. The police have also recovered two stolen items, including the generator and a laptop.

Superintendent Forh assured that her team is working diligently to bring all perpetrators to justice and retrieve the remaining stolen property where possible.

Meanwhile, efforts to get a response from the Ministry of Public Works have so far been unsuccessful, as the Director of Communication could not be reached at press time. The investigation is ongoing.