ZORZOR CITY, Lofa County – Residents of Ziggida in Zorzor District staged a peaceful protest on Saturday, September 7, calling for the immediate release of several young men who were arrested during a joint security operation carried out by officers of the Police Support Unit (PSU) the night before.
By Prince T. Mulbah, Contributing Writer
The protest followed the arrest of multiple youths who security forces allege were connected to recent unrest in the area.
According to eyewitnesses and community members, the operation took place late on Friday, September 6, when security personnel entered Ziggida and detained several individuals. Residents claim the arrests were unjust and accuse the security forces of targeting young people without clear evidence or explanation.
Early Saturday morning, photos and videos circulated on social media showing protesters marching through Zorzor in a calm and orderly manner. Demonstrators held placards and chanted slogans demanding justice and the unconditional release of their detained relatives and community members.
The march ended in the Zelega Quarter of Zorzor, where local leaders provided refreshments to the protesters as they awaited further communication from the authorities.
In response to the growing public concern, Zorzor District Commissioner Paul R. Kalama addressed the situation and appealed for calm. He assured protesters that his office had begun engaging relevant security institutions to ensure a transparent investigation into the arrests. Commissioner Kalama pledged that those found to be innocent would be released promptly.
“I want to thank the citizens for conducting themselves peacefully today. I have already started reaching out to security officials, and we will do everything in our power to make sure that this matter is handled justly,” Kalama said during a brief address to the demonstrators.
The protest comes amid growing tension in Zorzor District, where residents have repeatedly expressed concerns about what they describe as increasingly aggressive security operations. Community members say recent raids and arrests have left many young people feeling targeted and unfairly treated.
Local youth leaders have also called for calm while urging the government to take immediate steps to ensure that security operations are carried out in accordance with the law. They stressed the need for proper investigation, due process, and communication between authorities and communities to prevent further unrest.
As of Saturday afternoon, security authorities had not released an official list of those arrested or provided specific details about the alleged disturbances that prompted the operation. The lack of transparency has fueled community frustration and calls for accountability.
District authorities continue to engage with security officials as residents await updates on the status of the detainees. While Saturday’s protest remained peaceful, the situation in Zorzor remains tense as locals demand justice and reassurance that their rights will be respected during ongoing security efforts.
