MISSING CHILD IN LOFA COUNTY SPARKS PUBLIC OUTRAGE AND INTENSIFIES SECURITY RESPONSE

Search Efforts Escalate as Police and Community Unite to Find Two-Year-Old Fesseh Aggrey

By Julius M. Howard jhiword@gmail.com

Konia Town, Zorzor District, Lofa County – Liberia | May 21, 2025

A wave of concern and public outcry has erupted in Lofa County following the mysterious disappearance of a two-year, eight-month-old boy, Fesseh Aggrey, affectionately called “CEO/Manager”, who was last seen on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at around 4:00 PM. The incident occurred along the Konia–Boi Highway in Zorzor District, where the child was reportedly accompanying a neighbor to a nearby farm.

According to reposts gathered so far, Fesseh went missing without a trace. Community members responded immediately, conducting a full-night search in and around Konia Town. Despite the efforts, the child’s whereabouts remain unknown nearly two week later.

Frustration and fear among residents culminated in a major public protest, where angry citizens blocked the Zorzor–Voinjama highway. The roadblock was set up as a form of civil alarm and grassroots advocacy—not only for the missing Fesseh but also in protest of recurring safety concerns in the area. Witnesses noted that this was not the first such incident, referencing previous unsolved cases of mysterious Killings in the same region.

Authorities quickly intervened. The Liberian National Police (LNP), under the command of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Tarnue Kerkula, moved to dismantle the roadblock. Six individuals—four women and two men—were arrested on charges of obstructing public movement, vandalism, and felonious restraint.

Following preliminary investigations, the four women were released into the custody of relatives. They are presently back to Konia to continue contributing to the community-wide search effort for the missing boy.

Lofa County Police Commander, ACP Tarnue Kerkula has since intensified police patrols in Konia, Boi, and surrounding areas. His approach, which includes community policing and joint patrols with locals, has been described by observers as a model for how security agencies can foster public trust and collaboration, particularly during high-tension situations.

In a statement to local media, ACP Kerkula emphasized that while public advocacy is a constitutional right, unlawful blockades of public roads pose serious dangers. “Especially in this period, with health threats like Monkeypox (Mop Pox) identified in parts of Liberia, uninterrupted transport and access to medical services is critical,” he said. “The police are committed to protecting both freedom and safety.”

The incident raises broader questions about the delicate balance between civil protest and public order. In a nation still strengthening its democratic and institutional frameworks, such events highlight both the resilience of grassroots activism and the importance of measured responses by state authorities.

Liberia’s public safety and emergency infrastructure continues to evolve. Experts agree that collaborative policing—grounded in respect for human rights—is key to addressing crises without escalating tension.

As of this report, the search for Fesseh Aggrey continues, with a growing network of community volunteers, relatives, and local leaders combing the landscape for clues. Posters with his photo have been widely circulated. His family remains hopeful that someone, somewhere, holds a piece of information that could lead to his safe return.

Authorities have issued an urgent public appeal: Anyone with information should report to the Zorzor Police Station, the nearest security checkpoint, or call any Authority for timely response.