Unity Party Chairman Urges Justice for Saye Town Demolition Victims

SAYE TOWN, LIBERIA: The National Chairman of the ruling Unity Party, Reverend Luther Tarpeh has called for a legal review into the demolition of homes in the Saye Town Community, District #8, Montserrado County.

By: Emmanuel George 

Rev. Tarpeh underscored the need for due process, stating that the demolition has rendered many families homeless and stripped them of personal properties accumulated over the years.

Speaking during his visit to affected residents, the Unity Party Chairman committed to ensuring that the matter, which ignited over a land dispute, is fully pursued. He said land disputes are a critical matters that must be carefully handled through the judicial system.

“What has happened here raises serious questions about due process and respect for the rights of ordinary citizens,” Rev. Tarpeh told residents during a community gathering. “No Liberian should wake up to see their home destroyed without proper notice, dialogue, and lawful justification.”

He vowed to mobilize volunteer lawyers to represent victims to pursue legal redress in court.

“We are not here to cause confusion or violence,” he emphasized. “We are here to ensure that the law speaks for the people. If this demolition was carried out unlawfully, then the courts must say so, and justice must be served.”

As part of his visit, the Unity Party Chairman Rev. Luther Tarpeh also presented a sum of LD$800,000 to the victims to assist them in their resettlement plans. According to him, the donation is meant to provide immediate relief as residents await legal action.

“This contribution cannot replace your homes,” Rev. Tarpeh said, “but it is to help ease the suffering—help families find food, temporary shelter, and regain some dignity while the legal process moves forward.”

Meanwhile, several affected residents welcomed the intervention, saying the demolition was carried out without adequate notice or consultation.

Community members insisted they hold legitimate claims to the land and were denied the opportunity to present documents or seek injunctions before the exercise.

One affected resident, speaking during the visit, lamented the impact of the demolition on families: “We were not given time. We were not heard. We and our children are now sleeping in the open, and our belongings were destroyed. All we are asking for is fairness and respect for the law,” the resident said.

Relevant government authorities have yet to issue a public statement addressing the allegations of illegality surrounding the demolition. The land dispute is said to stem from ownership claims of large acres of land in the area by a businessman, which later followed a court order of eviction.

The Saye Town demolition has once again drawn national attention to longstanding concerns over land ownership, due process, and the treatment of vulnerable communities during government-led evictions.

Civil society organizations have consistently called for transparent procedures, proper legal notice, and humane resettlement options whenever demolitions are undertaken.

As legal steps are anticipated, affected residents say they hope the involvement of legal counsel will bring clarity, accountability, and possible restitution for families impacted by the demolition.