CAVALLA , Maryland — The Liberia National Police (LNP) has confirmed an incident involving police officers and traditional authorities in Cavalla Town, Barrobo Statutory District, District Three, Maryland County, following reports that officers were allegedly held under hostage.
By: Peter P. Toe, Jr.
According to the Chief of Operations of the Maryland County Police Detachment, Superintendent of Police Daouda M. Swaray, the incident occurred on Tuesday, January 13, 2025.
At 0000hrs on the next day, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, police headquarters in the county received a call from officers assigned in Barrobo, Patrol Man Christopher Gborto and Sgt Sam Gebeh.
The Police Superintendent Swaray said the officers reported that the Barrobo District Police Commander, Kenneth Jiklay, and another officer identified as Christer Gmah, were being withheld by traditional leaders for allegedly interfering with traditional practices in Cavalla Town. He said the traditional authorities reportedly demanded one cow and a bag of rice as penalty.
Following the report, Superintendent Swaray said the matter was immediately communicated to police headquarters, while the Maryland County Superintendent and local authorities in Barrobo were contacted.
“We were assured that the officers would be released,” Superintendent Swaray said.
He confirmed that the officers were reported released on January 15, and arrived safely at the Glofaken Police Depot, adding that they were not harmed and are in stable condition and back on active duty.
Superintendent Swaray explained that while Commander Kenneth Jiklay is a member of the local tradition, the newly assigned officer, Chester, is not traditionally affiliated. He said the officers were on routine patrol in Cavalla Town at the time of the incident and were dressed in full police uniform.
“Under the law, tradition must not interfere with law enforcement,” Superintendent Swaray stated. “Holding police officers and demanding items from them is unacceptable.”
He noted that police authorities are considering engaging local leaders and residents through dialogue to prevent future occurrences, adding that similar incidents have happened in the district before.
This position was supported by the Police Commander of Karluway Statutory District, Inspector Samuel T. Brown Jr., who previously served in Barrobo. Inspector Brown told FrontPageAfrica that he experienced a similar situation during his tenure in the district.
“The Barrobo people did it to the commander before me. They did it to me, and now it has happened to the commander after me,” Inspector Brown said.
However, residents of Cavalla Town have disputed claims that the officers were held hostage. Moses Geeh, a resident of the town, told FrontPageAfrica that the newly assigned officer allegedly walked around and touched a locally made traditional object, known as sanigular, which he said violated traditional customs.
Geeh admitted that the tradition demanded items as penalty but said appeals were made, leading to the officers’ release. “No one was held hostage. The police were not kept,” he insisted.
Similarly, the Assistant Superintendent for Development of Barrobo Statutory District, Hon. Roosevelt Nyanford, described reports of hostage-taking as inaccurate.
Meanwhile, Maryland County Superintendent Hon. Henry Cole confirmed Thursday evening that the incident was not the first of its kind in Barrobo District. He said his administration is planning a dialogue involving citizens, security forces, and traditional leaders to prevent future occurrences.
“We regret this incident and will ensure that dialogue is held promptly to avoid reoccurrence,” Superintendent Cole said.
The County Superintendent, who is currently on national assignment outside Maryland County, said the dialogue will be convened upon his return.
The post Liberia: LNP Confirms Officers Withheld in Barrobo as Locals Dispute Hostage Narrative appeared first on FrontPageAfrica.
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