LNP probes suspects in AML railway operation attack in Bassa
Authorities at the Liberia National Police detachment say they have arrested several individuals in connection with vandalizing and blocking of ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML), railway operation station.
Monrovia, June 16, 2025: The alleged vandalism and blockade of the railway station, which occurred between June 10 and 12, 2025 led to the obstruction, resistance, prevention, and impediment of the transportation of the company’s iron ore from Nimba County through the Port of Buchanan, in Grand Bassa County.
Police said the alleged action caused financial lost within the company. The railway operated by ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML), is a key infrastructure used for transporting iron ore from the company’s mining operations to the Port of Buchanan.
The blockades vandalism occurred when the individuals, reportedly former workers of a contractor company (WBHO) halted train operations by placing debris and other obstructions, lighting fires and removing some steel sleepers on the tracks between Kilometres Six and Ten.
The protesters claim to have unresolved issues with WBHO, a company independent of ArcelorMittal Liberia.
The incident occurred days after AML unveiled its 1.8 billon Concentrator Plant in Nimba County.
Those arrested are Andrew Jokpo, age 22, Sampson B. Pokiay (43), Cyrus Bloue (32), J. Prince Quito (27), Stanley Ben (19), Samuel Barchue (19). They are undergoing Police investigation, pending charges and prosecution.
However, in response to the disruption, ArcelorMittal Liberia condemned the action, emphasizing the risks to rail safety, the potential adverse impact on revenue generation and the broader economic implications for Liberia.
This latest situation adds to a growing trend of illegal actions against ArcelorMittal and its operations by individuals who continue to resort to violence and vandalism when they have grievances.
The Yekepa to Buchanan railway is a critical piece of infrastructure of Liberia, with significant importance to the national economy, particularly in terms of mining, trade, and regional development. The railway primarily serves the transport of iron ore from the mines in Yekepa to the port of Buchanan, making it essential to the country’s top export commodity. Any disruption in railway operations directly affects ore shipment volumes and state revenue. -Edited by Othello B. Garblah.
