Dowe, Nimba County, April 15, 2015 – Today, a long-standing land dispute in Dowe, Nimba County, erupted into violence. The confrontation involved armed men allegedly working for Senator Prince Johnson and members of the Moore family, who claim ownership of the contested land. The incident, which escalated to physical assault and property damage, is currently being investigated by the police.
According to the reports, Lawrence Moore made a call to the Dowe Town police, requesting immediate assistance as the situation on their disputed land spiraled out of control. A group of 14 men, armed with single-barrel shotguns and machetes, surrounded the family. The men identified themselves as security officers assigned to Senator Prince Johnson.
Officer Amos Soko, who responded to the call, attempted to mediate the situation. “The security officers said their boss has claims over a land which the family intended to mobilize for farming purposes,” he explained. As Officer Soko tried to calm the escalating tensions, one of the armed men, Jacob Domah, known locally as Yellow, hit the officer with a machete.
Backup arrived quickly, with officers Jerry Peters, Moses Buwon, and Mark Jabathy joining the effort to restore order. The scene was chaotic, with the Moore family visibly shaken by the incudent. The officers managed to apprehend five of the 14 armed men, including Jacob Domah, who was taken into custody for his assault on Officer Soko.
The Moore family—Lawrence, Michael, and Trokon—were escorted to the police station for their safety. Speaking with them, it was clear they were both frightened and resolute. “This land has been in our family for generations. We have every right to it,” said Michael Moore, a relative, with a mix of frustration and determination.
Michael Moore, visibly distressed, recounted the morning’s events. “We were just trying to start our farming work when they came. It was terrifying,” he said, his voice trembling. “We hope the authorities will finally bring justice to our family.”
The root of this violent confrontation lies in conflicting claims of ownership. The detained security officers insisted that the land is a traditional territory under Senator Johnson’s jurisdiction, earmarked for a children’s welfare center. In contrast, the Moore family maintains that the land is their ancestral heritage, passed down through generations.
Officer Soko confirmed the ongoing investigation into the dispute. “The Moore family has been advised to return to Monrovia for their safety until the situation is resolved,” he stated. “Law enforcement officers are continuing their inquiries and gathering evidence to determine the rightful ownership of the land and to prevent further violence.”
News of the violence has caused shock and concern among residents of Dowe Town. A local leader David Johnson, who had been on the scene shortly after the police arrived, was one of those frustrated. “It’s a tragedy that this dispute has come to this. We need a peaceful resolution, not violence,” he said.
The violent events of today have left a community on edge and a family seeking justice. As law enforcement continues its investigation, the residents of Dowe and the Moore family hope for a swift and fair resolution to this bitter land dispute.
