A remote stretch of bushland between Neevelen Town and Doewein Clan in Grand Bassa County drew an unexpected crowd on Wednesday after residents reported the emergence of a dark liquid substance believed by many to be crude oil seeping from the ground. The quiet midweek morning quickly transformed into a scene of intense activity as word spread rapidly across nearby communities. By mid-morning, hundreds of curious residents men, women, and children had descended on the site, carrying any household item capable of holding liquid. Sponges, cut-off gallons, plastic buckets, cups, and even rags were used to collect the mysterious substance pooling in patches of grassland.
Eyewitness accounts described a sense of urgency and excitement as people rushed toward the scene. “People were running with containers in their hands,” said Cephus Gueh, a resident from a nearby village. “Some were calling their relatives and friends to hurry and come. Everybody wanted to see it.” Others who arrived at the site said they observed individuals scooping the substance directly from shallow pools, while some soaked it up with cloths and wrung it into containers. Another resident, Sam Tukai, recounted seeing people fill several four-gallon containers, tubs, and buckets before taking them home. “We don’t know what it really is, but people believe it’s oil,” he said.
Local authorities, alerted by community leaders, have since moved to assess the situation. The County Administration and relevant technical bodies confirmed that a team of experts has been dispatched to the area to conduct an initial evaluation. Samples of the substance are being collected for laboratory analysis to determine whether the material is indeed crude oil and to ascertain its origin. Officials are strongly advising residents to exercise caution while the investigation is ongoing. They urged the public to avoid direct contact with the substance and refrain from attempting to store or use it until authoritative results are made available.
“The safety of our citizens is our foremost concern,” a county official emphasized. “We encourage residents to remain patient and allow the scientific assessment to guide any next steps.” Authorities assure the public that findings from the technical investigation will be communicated promptly, and appropriate measures will be taken depending on the results. The situation continues to draw significant public interest as anticipation builds around what could potentially represent a major development for the surrounding communities. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
