Officials of the Forestry Commission stationed at Benso in the Mpohor district of the Western region are reportedly trapped inside their offices after an angry mob of illegal miners laid siege to the premises.
The development, according to reports, follows an alleged confrontation involving one of their colleagues.
Information available to Connect News indicates that the incident began late night when an illegal miner reportedly parked a motorcycle directly in front of the Forestry Commission office, obstructing access to the facility.
After unsuccessful attempts to locate the owner and have the motorcycle moved, officials allegedly took custody of the motorbike and locked it within the premises.
The owner reportedly returned shortly afterwards and demanded the release of the motorcycle. What began as a disagreement quickly escalated into a heated confrontation. Sources claim the man was allegedly assaulted by some officials and the motorcycle was not returned to him.
He subsequently left the scene but is said to have returned later with a large group of illegal miners, triggering what witnesses describe as a violent and coordinated attack on the Forestry Commission office.
The mob reportedly descended on the premises, smashing vehicle windscreens, vandalising official property, and breaking into storage facilities.
Several pieces of confiscated mining equipment that had been kept in the stores were allegedly carted away. Some officials who were unable to escape are also reported to have been physically assaulted.
Fearing for their safety, Forestry Commission personnel have since barricaded themselves inside the office.
“The office came under heavy attack from more than 200 illegal miners. They pelted the premises with stones, sticks and other objects, causing extensive damage,” a source familiar with the situation told Connect News.
The attackers are also alleged to have issued threats against the officials, vowing retaliation over the previous night’s confrontation.
Sources say a police team dispatched to Benso this morning has so far struggled to bring the situation under control. The town is reportedly tense, with the angry miners maintaining a strong presence in the area, prompting calls for additional security reinforcement.
The Forestry Commission, together with personnel from the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), has in recent months intensified operations in the Mpohor enclave as part of government’s renewed crackdown on illegal mining activities.
Several suspects have been arrested during these operations, while excavators, motorbikes and other mining equipment have been seized.
Connect News is closely monitoring developments and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
