Thinker Village Fire Victims Cry Out for Urgent Resettlement Intervention

Paynesville, Liberia: Several families affected by the recent fire incident in Thinker Village, Paynesville, are calling for urgent intervention from the government and humanitarian organizations to help address the displacement the situation has caused them.

The victims, most of whom are said to be single mothers, noted that they lost all personal belongings including mattresses, clothing, televisions, and reserved clash as a result of an unknown fire that ravaged their commercial residential home.

Speaking to K-NEWS, on Monday, May 4, one of the victims, Madam Albertha Y. Gbehmie, noted that the incident occurred late last month and has left them struggling for accommodations.

She revealed that she along with others was a tenant under the affected house reported to have four bedrooms. Gbehmie further explained that they held active rent terms before the recent fire outbreak. 

Albertha Y. Gbehmie underscores that upon hearing the news, the landlord has been traumatized, and is yet to interface with them to know their own state.

She said community neighbors have been the ones, providing temporary shelter and aiding in their daily meals.

The victim emphasized that urgent interventions, whether financial or material contributions would significantly help to support their resettlement plans.

She added that they are unable in their respective capacities as single mothers to secure new designations, especially as it requires finance.

"I lost over US$D200. I also lost mattresses, clothes, a flat screen, and other valuables. Right now, one of my relatives is helping to provide temporary shelter".

"This has happened, I am calling on His Excellency President Joseph Boakai, Vice President Jeremiah Koung, and other government officials including private citizens to help us get another area".

"We are homeless and roaming up and down. My contacts are 0880727939/0776382660 (Albertha Y. Gbehmie)", she asserted.

Also speaking, Madam Olivia K. Suah, another affected mother, said the situation is making life unbearable for her and her children. She pointed out that the loss of values including cash, as a result of the fire incident, has made it difficult to cater to their pressing needs.

Meanwhile, Madam Suah expressed optimism that with timely and meaningful intervention, she would overcome the setback and get on course with basic life activities.

"I need money to find a new place. I inquired the other day about renting a house, and I was told 300US per month. Even if people can help me in whatever way, whether material things or cash, I will appreciate it".

"I am certain that once I receive assistance, I can return to normal life activities, and feed my family. I can be reached on 0555594580 (Olivia K. Suah)", Suah intoned.

The victims narrated that no casualties were reported following the fire incident. They disclosed that the Liberia National Police has launched an investigation into the cause of the fire.

Gbehmie, Suah, and other victims of the recent fire incident in Thinker Village, reflect a disturbing memory of how fire outbreaks continue to render families homeless across Liberia.

In 2025, the Liberia National Fire Service reported a high frequency of fire outbreaks in Monrovia, largely driven by electrical faults, poor appliance management, and overloaded circuits.

Nearly four hundred and fifty cases were reported between January and October. A major incident included a blaze at former President George Weah’s 9th residence in September 2025.

As victims cry out for help, advocates continue to press the government to ensure fire safety measures across homes in urban and rural places.