As Police Condemns Mob Violence, Chengbetee Town Arson Exposes Tension Over Delayed Justice
By Emmanuel Koffa
BOLLOH DISTRICT – Grand Kru County, Liberia–A protest over an unresolved murder case turned violent on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, when a group of women set ablaze a shop in Chengbetee Town, raising serious concerns about public trust in law enforcement and the handling of criminal investigations in this southeastern County.
The reported arson incident is said to have grown out of frustration among residents of Upper Bolloh District over the killing of an unidentified woman about two months ago.
Locals say anger intensified after learning that the alleged suspect, who reportedly fled Grand Kru County to Nimba County, remains in detention there while police investigations continue.
“People are losing confidence because there is no clear explanation,” a community source told this newspaper. “The suspect was arrested, but nobody is telling the people why he is still in Nimba. That confusion caused the protest.”
According to eyewitness accounts, at about 8:00 a.m., women from several towns in Upper Bolloh District marched through Chengbetee Town. During the protest, they reportedly set fire to a shop owned by Mr. Bobby Kerslah, a 41-year-old Mano man from Nimba County. The shop was completely destroyed.
Sources said the protesters demanded that police hand Mr. Kerslah over to them so he could be taken to traditional authorities—a demand that police later described as illegal.
Confirming the incident, the Liberia National Police said officers responded swiftly but arrived after the fire had already started.
“Upon receiving information, police officers immediately responded to the scene and found that a shop had already been set ablaze by a group of protesting women,” the police said in a preliminary statement.
Police said officers documented the scene and launched a full investigation.
“We have begun a comprehensive investigation into the arson and the threats made against law enforcement officers. Persons of interest are currently being identified,” the statement added.
The Liberia National Police strongly condemned the incident, warning against mob justice and the destruction of private property.
“The Liberia National Police condemns mob violence and urges all citizens to allow the justice system to handle grievances through lawful means,” police warned.
Authorities also stressed that accountability would be enforced.
“No one is above the law. Anyone found responsible for destroying property or inciting violence will be dealt with in keeping with the law,” the statement said.
Despite the police response, residents say the incident highlights deeper problems of communication and confidence between authorities and the public.
“If police had come earlier to explain what was happening with the case, the women would not have taken the street,” a local elder said. “People want justice, but they also want answers.”
Security has since been reinforced in Chengbetee Town and surrounding communities.
No injuries were reported, but the destruction of the shop has left questions about compensation, accountability, and whether progress will now be made in the murder investigation that sparked the unrest.
Meanwhile, investigations into this situation is ongoing.