Visually Impaired Victim Alerts Government’s Attention To Illegal Land Seizures

Monrovia, Liberia: The illegal sale of land and violent seizure of properties have long plagued Liberia, leaving many citizens vulnerable and victimized with no source of help to remedy the effectiveness of this growing menace. 

This troubling trend has disrupted the peace and tranquility of several communities across Liberia, with the most recent being the case of the actions of an alleged notorious land criminal identified as Blama Wright.

Wright has been accused of unlawfully seizing properties in the Township of Louisiana and harassing peaceful citizens to advance his selfish agenda.

Residents alleged that Wright has systematically impersonated being a relative of legitimate landowners in areas such as the Township of Johnsonville, Caldwell, Brewerville, and Mount Barclay.

This fraudulent approach enables him to make false ownership claims on land, which he then sells to unsuspecting buyers.

According to citizens who spoke to Knews’ fact-finding mission team, this scheme has caused severe distress to the rightful owners of properties, many of whom have been subjected to threats and intimidation.

Speaking to Knews, Madam Sarah Wright Yanquaye, a visually impaired woman and owner of over 100 acres of land, shared her disturbing encounter with Blama Wright.

Madam Yanquaye revealed that Wright, who by coincidence carries her father's surname (Wright), has been using surnames commonly associated with land-owning families, such as "Johnson," "Dennis," and even "Wright," to forge legitimacy and carry out his illegal activities.

The elderly, visually impaired victim disclosed that Blama has no familial ties to the Wright family or other landowners whose properties have been targets of his criminal enterprise.

According to Madam Yanquaye, Wright's calculated deceit has allowed him to claim ownership of several lands that do not belong to him, effectively dispossessing rightful owners.

Madam Yanquaye explained that the alleged perpetrator is not acting alone in criminal enterprises. She disclosed that Wright commands a group of over 60 men who are often armed and tasked with intimidating the rightful owners of properties.

These men reportedly use threats and brutal force to compel landowners to vacate their properties, creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.

According to her, the group’s aggressive tactics are meant to pave the way for Wright to sell the stolen land to unsuspecting buyers, enriching him at the expense of others’ livelihoods.

The visually impaired landowner expressed deep pain and anguish caused by Wright’s actions, describing his behavior as that of a lawless individual who disregards the rights of others and openly defies legal authorities.

Madam Yanquaye pointed out Wright’s blatant refusal to adhere to the rule of law despite numerous complaints from victims; he continues to operate with impunity, emboldened by the apparent lack of enforcement action against him.

Madam Yanquaye’s case is not an isolated incident. Across Liberia, similar stories of illegal land sales and violent property seizures have surfaced, pointing to a broader issue of land insecurity in the country.

Many citizens have lost their homes, farms, and other valuable properties to unscrupulous individuals who exploit legal loopholes and the weak enforcement of property laws.

This situation has left many families destitute and struggling to reclaim their rightful land.

In light of these troubling developments, Madam Yanquaye has made a passionate appeal to the Government of Liberia, through the Liberia Land Authority (LLA), and international partners to intervene.

She is calling for an urgent intervention to address the situation and prevent further injustices.

“We need the government and international bodies to come to our aid before all of our land is taken away by Blama Wright,” she pleaded.

The issue of illegal land sales and property seizures highlights the urgent need for stronger policy to safeguard the rights of citizens, with the government leading the efforts to implement measures aimed at curbing fraudulent land dealings and holding perpetrators accountable.

This includes strengthening the legal framework for land ownership, improving the capacity of law enforcement agencies to respond to land disputes, and ensuring that victims receive timely justice.

Additionally, public awareness campaigns are essential to educate citizens about their property rights and the legal processes for resolving land disputes.

By empowering communities with the requisite knowledge on land matters, the government can reduce the prevalence of land fraud and help prevent individuals like Blama Wright from exploiting vulnerable citizens.

The international community also has a role to play in addressing Liberia’s land challenges. Through partnerships and support, global organizations can assist the government in improving land administration systems and providing resources for law enforcement mechanisms.

Collaborative initiatives can help foster a more secure environment for land ownership, ensuring that every citizen has the opportunity to enjoy their property without fear of harassment or dispossession.

The case of Blama Wright serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by many Liberians in protecting their land.

For victims like Madam Sarah Wright Yanquaye, justice and restitution remain elusive, but their voices must not go unheard.

It is imperative for the government, civil society, and the international community to take decisive action and put an end to the illegal sale of land and the violent seizure of property.

Only through collective efforts can Liberia achieve a future where land ownership is secure and citizens can live in peace and dignity.

Several attempts made by Knews to get accused, Blama Wright's version of the story felt futile as he evaded our fact-finding mission on two different occasions at a resident believed to be his official home.

Edited: E. Geedahgar Garsuah, Sr.