The Inquirer (Monrovia)
Sebo Daniels
12 May 2008
A long-standing land dispute between some residents of Rock Town and Wehchoken in Maryland County has reportedly left two people dead and several others wounded after claims and counter claims over the land in question.
According to reports monitored from the County so far, more than 20 persons have reportedly been arrested and are currently behind bars pending investigation into the matter.
Further investigation conducted has revealed that the incident occurred last week while some members of the Maryland County Legislative Caucus were about to travel to the area for an emergency reconciliatory talks relative to the land issue.
Although, the names of the two victims are not yet known but, a member of the Caucus, Senator John Ballout, has confirmed reports that he has received credible reports about the death of the two persons and the arrest of several others allegedly linked to the crisis. Because of this he said he has immediately dispatched a staff from his office to the area in a bid to evaluate and access the situation before the Caucus and others interested parties go there.
Senator Ballout also confirmed reports that the stand off have subsided after the intervention of the United Nations Mission In Liberia (UNMIL), the Liberia National Police (LNP) and other local county officials.
Speaking to The Inquirer over the weekend, Senator Ballout explained that the land dispute which was high on the Caucus' agenda coupled with the latest incident has indeed impeded the pending talks, but noted that the Caucus will remain unperturbed as they will do everything possible to help resolve the stalemate.
In a related development Senator Ballout has confirmed that residents of both areas have unconditionally agreed not to fight again pending a speedy resolution to the long dispute.
Meanwhile, according to reports from the incident in Maryland County it has claimed the attention of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf who arranged an emergency meeting with some members of the Maryland Caucus to see what could be done to amicably settle the precarious situation before it escalates.
A member of the Caucus, Honorable Buffer Chamber has confirmed the successful meeting with President Sirleaf and that a team is expected to depart for Maryland in the shortest possible time in lieu of the matter.
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