The Supreme Motorcycle Transport Union of Liberia (SUMTUL) has strongly condemned the recent act of mob violence that led to the death of an alleged motorcycle thief in Paynesville, describing the incident as “unacceptable and damaging to the reputation of law-abiding motorcyclists across Liberia.”
In a passionate statement issued by SUMTUL National President, Trokon “Yellow Machine” Grayginho Gray, the Union distanced itself from the violent actions of a few individuals, while calling for a “speedy and impartial investigation” by the Liberia National Police into the matter.
“Let me first condemn the acts of violence displayed by a few motorcyclists and community dwellers against an alleged bike thief,” Mr. Gray said. “We call on the police for a fair and transparent investigation to bring those responsible to justice.”
However, the SUMTUL leader did not hold back his criticism of the police, accusing the authorities—particularly Inspector General Gregory Coleman—of unprofessionalism and brutality toward ordinary citizens and motorcyclists.
“Mr. Coleman, you need to readjust your leadership style. The Gregory Coleman we knew during the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf era is not the same person we see today,” Gray stated. “Instead of protecting the ordinary Liberian people, you have allowed your officers to brutalize us under the so-called ‘No-Go-Zone’ restriction.”
According to Mr. Gray, widespread distrust of the police and the legal system has contributed to a dangerous atmosphere of lawlessness and self-justice. He narrated a personal encounter in which a man refused to report a case to the police, claiming that justice would only favor those with money or connections.
“Liberians no longer trust the police or the legal system, and this is very dangerous for our country,” he warned.
The Union President also addressed individuals who engage in criminal activities under the guise of being motorcyclists, describing them as “dangerously stupid” and the reason for the growing public stigma against all cyclists.
“You are the reason people stigmatize us as criminals,” Gray said. “Please find something meaningful to do. We are struggling, yes, but life is a process. Many of us are educated but forced to ride bikes because there are no jobs.”
He further called on the public to avoid generalizing all motorcyclists as criminals, emphasizing that most riders are honest Liberians trying to support their families through hard work.
Mr. Gray used the occasion to appeal to the Government of Liberia to review the restrictions on motorcycle movement, which he says have left many riders jobless and unable to provide for their families.
“Our bikes are registered and licensed, yet we are denied access to roads. This is unacceptable,” he lamented. “Our kids are out of school because of these restrictions. This is another form of discrimination and violence against motorcyclists.”
He also called on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to fulfill his campaign promises of creating jobs and revitalizing the economy, noting that many riders would abandon motorcycle work if viable employment opportunities existed.
“If President Boakai had brought in the companies he promised during the 2023 elections, most of us would not be riding bikes today,” Gray asserted. “The suppression from this government against motorcyclists and tricycle riders is too much—enough is enough.”
In closing, Mr. Gray urged all riders to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and united in their pursuit of justice and fair treatment.
“We must never allow our country to be overtaken by lawlessness,” he concluded. “Let us uphold peace, discipline, and respect for the law as we continue to serve our nation.”
