The city of Ganta was thrown into chaos on Monday after the killing of a young motorcyclist sparked violent protests that stretched late into the evening.
The victim, identified as Jackson Roland, was a 10th-grade student of J.W. Pearson High School and a resident of the Pearson Community. According to reports, Roland was attacked near the CMC Junction in District #8, Nimba County, by unknown assailants who chopped him multiple times before making away with his motorbike.
Later that same day, tension escalated when two individuals were allegedly caught trying to sell a motorbike in Bunadin Town, not far from where Roland was killed. Citizens raised suspicions and quickly alerted authorities. The men were arrested and taken into custody before being transferred to the Gbarnga Regional Hub for investigation.
Confusion deepened as the true ownership of the motorbike remained unclear. This uncertainty fueled outrage within the commercial motorcyclist community. By mid-afternoon, thousands of motorcyclists stormed the Ganta Police Station, demanding justice and pressing for the suspects to be released into their custody.
Despite appeals from Nimba District #1 Representative Samuel Brown, Gompa City Mayor Samuel Hardt, and Assistant Commissioner of Police Larmie Mendin, who all pleaded for calm, the crowd refused to back down. As evening fell, the protest turned violent, with demonstrators hurling stones at police. Officers responded with tear gas to disperse the angry mob.
The incident has heightened fears in Ganta, a city that has in recent years witnessed a string of mysterious killings of motorcyclists, many tied to stolen bikes. Residents say the violence underscores growing security concerns and the urgent need for stronger protections for riders who depend on their motorcycles for daily survival.
Authorities say investigations into Roland’s killing and the attempted sale of the motorbike are ongoing.
