By D. Abraham Cooper | Grand Gedeh County
Hundreds of members of the Grebo ethnic group residing in Grand Gedeh County on Monday staged a traditional street protest in Zwedru, demanding justice and answers following the death of one of their kinsmen and raising broader concerns about reported disappearances and unexplained deaths within their community.
The demonstrators, drawn from Grebo communities with roots in Maryland, Grand Kru, River Gee, and Sinoe counties, marched through the streets of the county capital in a symbolic display of mourning and solidarity. Clad in traditional attire, the protesters called on authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Sam Geekor and to address growing fears over the safety of Grebo citizens in the region.
The protest follows the discovery of Geekor’s body on October 23, 2026, four days after he was reported missing in Kanneh Clan, Grand Gedeh County.
According to preliminary findings, a 15-member coroner’s jury observed a cut wound on the left side of the deceased’s neck, raising suspicions of possible foul play. However, authorities have yet to officially determine the cause of death, and no suspects have been identified or charged in connection with the incident.
During the procession, protesters wore lappa cloths wrapped around their bodies, painted their faces black, tied palm leaves around their heads, and rang bells as they marched through the city. The traditional symbols reflected both grief and a collective appeal for justice.
Community members said recurring reports of killings and disappearances involving individuals of Grebo descent have heightened fear and uncertainty among residents. They urged law enforcement authorities and local leaders to investigate the incidents comprehensively and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
“The community is seeking answers and reassurance that justice will prevail,” one protester stated during the demonstration.
Meanwhile, Grand Gedeh County Superintendent Christopher Beh Bailey has appealed for calm while investigations continue.
Speaking in response to the growing concerns, Superintendent Bailey expressed sympathy to the bereaved family and the wider Grebo community, acknowledging the pain and anxiety caused by Geekor’s death.
He urged residents from all ethnic and tribal backgrounds to remain peaceful and allow the legal process to take its course.
The superintendent also pledged his commitment to ensuring that justice is served, assuring citizens that anyone found responsible for mysterious deaths or disappearances would face prosecution under Liberian law.
As investigations continue, tension remains high among members of the Grebo community, who insist that authorities provide transparent answers regarding Geekor’s death and other reported incidents. For many protesters, the demand is straightforward: a credible investigation, accountability for wrongdoing, and justice for the deceased.
