ZORZOR, Lofa – Security forces have restored calm to Zorzor after rioting due to the murder of a 31-year old woman. The Liberia National Police, Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization, and NSA have increased patrol of the district, buttressed by UNMIL.

Sienneh Gayflor Korvieh was visiting from Fissibu, a nearby town, when she was found dead Wednesday afternoon. By 7 p.m., the crowd of over 50 young people had already started burning some shops and other buildings owned by Mandingos. The mostly young crowd also erected roadblocks along the main street to prevent the alleged criminal from leaving town.

Korvieh’s murder created a scene of instability as young residents of Fissibu marched to Zorzor, singing and chanting slogans like “No Sienneh, no Zorzor.” The activities of the rioters forced Zorzor authorities to suspend schools and shut down the city’s market on Thursday. The young people set at blaze, a home and a booth belonging to two individuals from the Mandingo ethnic group.

A home that was destroyed by rioters/Photo Credit: James Kwabo

Meanwhile, at least thirteen persons including the town chief of Fissibu, Lavaly Papa, have been arrested and investigated for their alleged involvement in the incident.

A senior security officer, under the condition of anonymity, has informed The Bush chicken that Abraham Sheriff, the alleged perpetrator was apprehended at a Muslim worship center on Yeala Road and arrested. Investigations are still on-going.

Much is still unknown about the relationship between Sheriff and the victim, although unverified reports suggest that the two were romantically involved.

Women from Fissibu demand justice at the administrative building in Zorzor/Photo Credit: James Kwabo

Local authorities, including the Zorzor and Salayea District Representative Moses Kollie, have condemned the murder and the actions of the youth. Speaking on the radio Wednesday evening, Kollie characterized the incidence as “barbaric and inhumane.” He continued, “We will not rest until the perpetrator is brought to justice. I, therefore, call on all my people to remain calm and leave the streets as security forces will be deployed and will arrest anyone found in the street loitering.”

Zorzor District Commissioner Henry Wolobah has announced a curfew from 7 p.m. Thursday night to 6 a.m. Friday morning.

UPDATES:

3:33 PM GMT – Residents of Fissibu were demanding the release of their town chief and the youth who were arrested. The issue was resolved through intervention by Rep. Kollie and other officials.

In a twist to the case, officials say the suspect arrested by the LNP, Abraham Sheriff, is not linked to the case. They are now seeking an Abraham Kamara, whose photo will soon be released to the public.

6:54 AM GMT – Security sources indicate that a 15-man jury have unanimously agreed that Korvieh’s death was the result of a broken neck. Witnesses interviewed during the investigation denied that the suspect in custody, Sheriff, is the murderer in question. However, Korvieh’s family and other sympathizers dispute those accounts.