A devastating fire in Kaybor, along the Sasstown Highway in Grand Kru County, has left a 62-year-old farmer homeless thus facing an uncertain future after destroying his home, personal belonging, and entire rice harvest.
Elijah S. Wesseh, a resident of the village associated with the Wakpiken and Kayken people of Barclayville, is now appealing for public support following the weekend incident.
For Wesseh, the destruction represents more than the loss of a building. It has wiped away months of hard work, including the rice he had cultivated and harvested in anticipation of the months ahead.
According to his account, the fire started after he left a burning fire unattended while preparing to take a bath following a meal.
He said the situation quickly deteriorated as flames spread throughout the house. His family members, who had travelled to attend a funeral service in a nearby town, were unavailable to assist him.
Although he attempted to extinguish the fire, Wesseh said the intensity of the flames made his efforts unsuccessful.
By the time the incident ended, his residence and everything inside had been reduced to ashes.
The loss of his entire rice harvest has become particularly troubling, as the elderly farmer now faces the prospect of struggling to secure food and rebuild his livelihood.
With no reliable source of income, Wesseh said he is uncertain about how to begin again.
His situation has prompted an appeal for intervention from the Government of Liberia, the Ministry of Agriculture, humanitarian organizations, and compassionate individuals.
He is specifically seeking food assistance, farming seeds, building materials, and other essential supplies to help him recover.
The tragedy also presents a compelling need for the Wakpiken and Kayken communities, particularly residents of Barclayville and surrounding settlements, to demonstrate solidarity with one of their own.
As the elderly farmer confronts the reality of losing his home and an entire season’s harvest, urgent assistance could make the difference between prolonged hardship and a fresh start.
For victim Wesseh, rebuilding will not be easy, but the support of government, community leaders, and ordinary citizens could help him find hope again.
