BY: Shallon S. Gonlor
NIMBA COUNTY — Two members of the Bility Development Foundation (BDF) have reportedly died following a tragic incident at the Yar River, which flows between electoral districts #4 and #2 in Nimba County, Liberia.
The incident occurred on Saturday, August 24, 2024. The two men identified as Lawrence YeeYea, 26, and Morris P. Williams, age 56 are believed to be the bodyguards of Mr. Musa Hassan Bility, CEO of the Bility Development Foundation and r
Representative of Nimba County District #7.
The tragedy occurred after the two staffers were returning from a groundbreaking ceremony held by Nimba County District # 2 Representative Nyan Flomo.
It follows when Rep. Flomo invited Rep. Bility to do a groundbreaking for the construction of a bridge over the Year River which has served as a major impediment to residents of Districts 2 & 4 in that part of the county.
The construction project, which has been a long-standing dream for the residents of Districts #2 and #4, was being launched in collaboration with Representative Nyahn Flomo of District #2. The bridge is intended to connect the nearby towns of Payee and Tiapa, providing a vital link for the local communities.
The incident happened when a raft carrying several members of the foundation, including Representative Bility’s bodyguards, capsized in the Yar River. Despite efforts to rescue those on board, at least two individuals went missing in the swift current of the river.
The sudden and unexpected capsizing of the raft has left the community in shock and mourning, with many fearing the worst for the missing men.
Both men got drowned after the raffle carrying them for hit by the current of the river in the middle and out of fear they jumped into the River and got drowned.
However, in a statement following the incident, Representative Bility expressed his deep sorrow and concern for the missing individuals.
“Our team has experienced a tragic event,” he wrote. “While returning from a program in District 2 Nimba County with Hon. Nyahn Flomo, where the people of the District requested our assistance in constructing a bridge at the Yar River crossing connecting Tiapa and Payee, D4-D2, the raft carrying our team capsized, leading to the disappearance of two individuals. Regrettably, my bodyguard and secretary are currently missing. Your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated during this difficult time.”
This is not the first for such an incident to occur in the area, which is known for its challenging river crossings and limited infrastructure.
The construction of the bridge over the Yar River is seen as a critical development for the region, promising to improve safety and accessibility for the local population.
However, the current tragedy underscores the dangers that residents and workers face when attempting to navigate the river without proper infrastructure in place.
Local authorities and community members have launched a search and rescue operation in hopes of locating the missing individuals.
As efforts continue, the families of Lawrence and Morris, along with the entire community, are holding onto hope for a positive outcome. The thoughts and prayers of many are with the bereaved families, as well as with the offices of Representatives Bility and Flomo, as they cope with this heartbreaking situation.
The incident at Yar River has highlighted the urgent need for improved infrastructure and safety measures in rural areas of Liberia, particularly in regions where river crossings are a daily necessity.
The Bility Development Foundation, under the leadership of Representative Bility, remains committed to fulfilling the dream of a bridge over the Yar River, despite this tragic setback.
The foundation has vowed to continue working towards the development and safety of Nimba County’s communities, in honor of those who have lost their lives in the pursuit of progress.
