The NEWS (Monrovia)
29 April 2008
Monrovia — Following a land dispute in Sanoyea District, Bong County, between the employees of the E.E. Dennis Farm and residents of the district, some locals have reportedly begun the illicit tapping of rubber at the E.E. Dennis Rubber Estate.
Facilities at the Dennis' Farm is said to be ruined as a result of vandalism by local residents.
According to the Farm Manager, Jessey Yuan, normal operation at the farm is at a standstill due to the conflict which led to the burning down of three towns including Dankpansue, Corlonta and Vuku villages.
Mr. Yuan told reporters Sunday that rioters damaged his company's Nissan pick-up valued at US$8,000.00 and other farming materials.
He said two houses with ten bed rooms and four bed rooms intended for employees were also vandalized.
He explained that prior to the land dispute on July 28, 2007, the estate was invaded and besieged by armed men claiming to be defending their ancestors' land which, they said, was sold to the Dennis.
He said the armed men surrounded the estate and its surroundings, setting up roads blocks and forced women and children out their villages.
It can be recalled on March 24, 2008 that residents of the Sanoyea District and the Management of the E.E. Dennis Rubber Estate tussled over 2,500 acres of land reported to be owned by the Dennis.
The Liberian government has arrested nine persons and charged them with arson in connection with the burning of the villages.
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