Zorzor City, Lofa, Liberia – Residents of Ziggida in Zorzor District held a peaceful protest on Saturday, September 7, demanding the immediate release of several young men arrested during a joint security operation conducted by officers of the Police Support Unit (PSU) the night before.
The protest was prompted by the arrest of multiple youths whom security forces alleged were connected to recent unrest in the area. Eyewitnesses and community members reported that the operation took place late on Friday, September 6, when security personnel entered Ziggida and detained several individuals.
Residents argue that 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 calmly and orderly through Zorzor.
Demonstrators carried placards and chanted slogans demanding justice and the unconditional release of their detained relatives and community members. The march concluded 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 the protesters that his office had begun engaging with relevant security institutions to ensure a transparent investigation into the arrests. Commissioner Kalama pledged that those found 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 ensure that this matter is handled justly,” Kalama stated during a brief address to the demonstrators.
The protest comes amid rising tensions 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 conducted according to the law. They emphasized the need for proper investigations, 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 assurances that their rights will be respected during ongoing security efforts.
