BY: SHALLON S. GONLOR / shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
NIMBA COUNTY — A Burkinabé national has been killed by an unknown attacker in a forest area within Lower Nimba County, Liberia. The tragic incident occurred in the bush between Dewoblee Town and Old Yourpea Town, in the Kparblee District. According to reports, the victim was cooking food for his fellow workers when the assailant struck. He was alone at the time.
By the time others arrived at the scene, the attacker had fled, and the victim had already passed away from his injuries. Authorities say the suspect remains unknown, and an investigation is underway. The motive behind the attack is still unclear. The deceased was laid to rest yesterday, as efforts continue to inform and support his family back in Burkina Faso. Residents and co-workers are calling on security agencies to step up efforts to ensure justice is served.
Meanwhile, police in Nimba County are currently investigating six people from Kparblee District in connection with the incident.
Among those being investigated is a man identified as Augustine Gaye who is deemed as a prime suspect.
Some residents of Old Yourpea have told police investigation that prior to the incident, Augustine Gaye was seen with a single barrel going in the bush to hunt, but returned from the bush without the gun after it was reported that an unknown person discharged a gun that killed a Burkinabe
Mr. Gaye has since denied owning a gun currently. He said for over six months, he has not gone in the bush to hunt so the accusations from the residents are “false and misleading”. About a decade ago, a significant influx of Burkinabes migrated from the neighboring Ivory Coast to various towns and villages within District Number 6 in Nimba, seeking opportunities in farming.
This situation has stirred tensions among residents and the Burkinabe population. The Burkinabes entered Liberia through Nimba County, responding to an invitation from farmers in Kparblee, District Number 6.
These farmers, who routinely cross into Ivory Coast for trade purposes, enlisted the Burkinabes to assist in agricultural endeavors within Liberia.
Tensions have been escalating in Kparblee due to the divergence of opinions regarding the Burkinabes’ presence. While some citizens oppose their involvement, others are extending land for the cultivation of crops. Notably, the Burkinabe immigrants are reportedly residing in Liberia without the knowledge or oversight of the Liberia Immigration Services (LIS) officers assigned to the county.
Many of these foreign workers are actively engaged in cultivating cash crops, predominantly cocoa, within various forests. Their produce is now ready for market, yet a faction of Kparblee’s residents are resistant to allowing the Burkinabe laborers to continue processing the cocoa on their farms.
