By Rasford Wright
Local Unit Commander of Central Police Division John Fayia Tunde has voiced serious concerns about growing tensions and disruptions caused by road blockade and business structure demolitions within the Dwarzark community and surrounding areas.
Speaking in an interview with Ransford Wright, Commander Tunde explained that his team, during a planned youth-focused operation on Saturday morning, encountered individuals attempting to block a major access route. “This road is the only direct link for residents in my Dwarzark community,” he said, emphasizing the impact on mobility and economic activities.
According to Tunde, Dwarzark is just one of over 23 affected areas where businesses and community members are struggling due to obstruction of vital roadways. “We’ve received several complaints from traders and residents,” he stated. “Our goal is to maintain order, but we urgently need the support of authorities to keep the roads cleared and accessible.”
He clarified that the operation was not spontaneous. “Notices were served over a month ago. This wasn’t an impromptu action,” he added.
In separate interviews, victims of the morning operation shared their experiences.
Margrette Kadie Massaquoi, a local trader, recounted:
“I woke up and saw police officers breaking the business structure where I sell. I was shocked. They said the place belongs to a Lebanese man. But I’ve been operating there for a while now.”
Expressing her frustration, she continued, “It’s unfair. I’m a law-abiding citizen trying to earn a living. I want justice and I’m calling on the government to protect small traders like me.”
Similarly, Mohamed Jajua, another affected business owner, expressed deep disappointment:
“I’ve been here for over seven years, paying council dues and building up my shop. This morning I came and found it demolished — no warning, no formal notice.”
Jajua appealed to the government and stakeholders to engage respectfully with the community and find peaceful solutions that support development without displacing hardworking citizens.
