Roland Jackson in Ganta, Nimba County
PHOTO: Riot police called in when threats of violence loomed earlier in Ganta
By James Myking Suah
GANTA, Liberia, September 3, 2025- The President General of the National Motorcycle and Tricycle Association of Liberia, has strongly condemned the brutal killing of Roland Jackson, who is believed to be a commercial motorcycle rider in the northeastern Nimba County, as calm returns to Gompa City.
Roland Jackson, a commercial motorcyclist and 10th-grade student at J.W. Pearson High School, was allegedly tragically killed near the CMC Junction in District #8, Nimba County. Reports indicate that he was attacked and fatally injured by unknown assailants who also stole his motorcycle on Monday, September 1, 2025 and attempted selling where the incident happened.
The incident has raised serious concerns among motorcyclists across the county as instances of violence against riders appear to be on the rise throughout the country.
In a statement, Amos Nyemah, Sr. emphasized that these attacks threaten the safety of those who play a vital role in Liberia’s transportation sector and contribute significantly to the country’s economy. The news of Johnson’s murder has left many motorcyclists in Ganta City outraged, prompting them to take to the streets in search of justice on Tuesday September 2,2025.
“I call on all my motorcyclists in Ganta to please disengage their protest actions as we engage with the central government through the Ministry of Justice,” Nyemah said during a phone interview on Radio Sletorwah.
“It is important to remain calm while we seek legal remedies.”
The lCommercial Motorcycle Association President expressed his disapproval regarding the actions of some union members in Ganta, who paraded Jacson’s body after it was exhumed, stating that their actions do not reflect good citizenship and urged them to adhere to the legal processes.
Nyemah confirmed that discussions are ongoing with a team of legal counselors in Nimba County to ensure that those accused of Johnson’s murder are held accountable. He pointed out that such violence is not limited to Nimba but is a growing concern nationwide, urging government action to protect motorcyclists.
“Just imagine, our people are suffering. They have invested in their bikes, whether purchased outright or through loans, and are paying taxes and insurance. When these bikes are stolen and riders are harmed or killed, it is deeply disappointing for the union leadership,” he stated, appealing for increased safety measures from the national government.
Mr. Nyemah encouraged law-abiding behavior among motorcyclists, advising them to refrain from making threatening remarks in the wake of this tragedy. He highlighted the importance of respecting the rule of law, despite frustrations with the current circumstances.
Nimba County Police Commander ACP Larmie Mendin extended his condolences to Roland’s family and condemned the violent act while assuring the public of a thorough investigation to seek justice.
Meanwhile, there are conflicting reports regarding Johnson’s status as a commercial motorcyclist at the time of the incident, prompting further scrutiny into the events surrounding his death.