Rep. Samson Wiah Demands Immediate Probe Into Alleged Intimidation Of Civilians And Unnecessary Shooting
PHOTO: Rep. Samson Q. Wiah of Sinoe County
By Sampson W Weah, sampsonwweah7@gmail.com
Sinoe County Electoral District #2 Representative, Samson Q. Wiah is critical of the way some soldiers of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) have conducted ongoing operations in Jedepo Nyennawiliakent and surrounding communities in in the vicinity of the Sapo National Park.
According to the lawmaker, last Sunday at about 7:45 p.m., he received alarming reports indicating that AFL soldiers allegedly took control of parts of the town and discharged live ammunition, triggering widespread fear and forcing residents.
But there has been no report that any resident was hit by bullet, though the sound of gunshots made residents, who included women, children, to flee into nearby bushes for safety.
Speaking to Journalists in Monrovia, Rep. Wiah explained that the AFL deployment to the area was originally sanctioned to remove illegal miners from protected forest zones and curb poaching activities in and around Sapo National Park.
He noted that local leaders initially welcomed the deployment, recognizing the importance of protecting Liberia’s natural heritage and biodiversity.
However, the Sinoe Representative alleged that the mission was later grossly compromised, as some AFL personnel reportedly abandoned their assigned posts within the park and instead loitered within civilian communities, contrary to their mandate, something that this news outlet has not been able to independently verified.
Meanwhile, Rep. Wiah has made an call for an urgent and independent investigation into the alleged actions of some of the AFL soldiers in Jedepo Nyennawiliaken and surrounding communities in Sinoe County.
He said formal complaint has been submitted to senior AFL authorities, who assured local leaders that corrective measures would be taken.
Despite these assurances, Rep. Wiah also claimed that similar incidents were reportedly repeated in other communities, including Batikeng (Jerepok Batikeng).
According to the Sinoe County lawmaker, the most recent incident occurred during sacred Grebo traditional rites, a culturally significant ceremony marking the transition of adolescent boys into manhood. He explained that during this period, traditional leaders—including Zoes and Bodios—had gathered in Nyanagoleke to conduct the rites in line with long-established customs.