"We Are Being Forced Off Our Land": Residents Link Dura Plast to Alleged Eviction Drive in Stockton Creek

Monrovia, Liberia:Tensions have escalated in Stockton Creek, Montserrado County District #13, as residents accuse Dura Plast Liberia Inc., a subsidiary of Sethi Brothers Incorporated, of allegedly financing repeated court-ordered evictions in an attempt to gain control of a disputed 85-acre property, claims the company has not publicly responded to.

The allegations surfaced Tuesday when several community members claimed the company has for years pursued ownership of portions of Stockton Creek because of the area's commercial and industrial value. Residents alleged the ongoing legal battle has left many families living in fear of further displacement.

"We believe they are paying to drive us from our own land," one resident alleged. "Every time we think the matter is over, another eviction follows. We have nowhere else to go."

Residents further claimed the company has relied on intermediaries and legal processes to pursue the disputed property, despite what they described as their lawful ownership and longstanding occupation of the land.

The controversy also centers on Catherine Johnson, a Liberian reportedly residing in the United States, who is said to be claiming ownership of approximately 85 acres in Stockton Creek. Community members alleged that her claim has intensified the already contentious land dispute.

A source familiar with the matter, who requested anonymity, alleged that Johnson and Dura Plast entered into an arrangement under which the company would finance legal actions connected to the disputed property, including the enforcement of court orders if granted. However, the existence or terms of any such agreement have not been independently verified.

Residents linked the latest allegations to previous outbreaks of violence in the community, claiming repeated eviction attempts have resulted in demolished homes, damaged property, and the displacement of several families.

"The evictions don't come alone," another resident said. "They come with police, bulldozers and fear. Families are living in constant uncertainty because they don't know when they will be forced out again."

As of publication, Dura Plast Liberia Inc., Sethi Brothers Incorporated, and Catherine Johnson had not publicly responded to the allegations despite efforts to obtain their comments. Meanwhile, residents are urging the Liberia Land Authority and the Ministry of Justice to intervene and suspend any further evictions until the courts make a final determination on ownership of the disputed 85-acre property. The matter remains before the court.