NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection – Liberia has expressed profound shock and deep sorrow following the tragic deaths of three young children in Mehnla Town, District 9, Nimba County, an incident that has sent waves of grief and outrage across Liberia.
The tragic incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of February 22, 2026, when three children were discovered dead inside their grandmother’s residence in Mehnla Town.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
Preliminary information gathered from community sources and local health officials, including personnel from the Menla Clinic, indicated that the children were allegedly killed using sharp objects.
The discovery was made after the children’s mother, 26-year-old Mercy Giah, returned home to find her children lifeless inside the house.
The deceased children have been identified as six-year-old Mewaseh Giah, four-year-old Marvelous Zainsaye, and two-year-old Alvina Tokpah. At the time of the incident, all three children were reportedly under the care of their grandmother, 56-year-old Mary Giah.
Community residents reported that the grandmother was initially missing after the bodies were discovered, raising suspicion among villagers. She was later apprehended by community members and handed over to officers of the Liberia National Police for investigation.
According to police preliminary reports, the suspect allegedly confessed to committing the crime during initial questioning.
Authorities said the suspect claimed she acted following repeated accusations from her daughter’s boyfriend, who allegedly accused her of practicing witchcraft and had been provoking her emotionally over time.
Police further reported that the suspect stated she believed nothing positive would come from her daughter’s relationship with the man, which allegedly influenced her actions.
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has strongly condemned the incident, describing the killing of innocent children as unacceptable, cruel, and contrary to national and international child protection principles.
The Ministry emphasized that children are entitled to protection, care, and a safe environment regardless of family or community conflicts.
As part of its immediate response, the Ministry has instructed the Officer-in-Charge of the local health facility, the Ministry of Health, and Menla Clinic authorities to urgently establish contact with the children’s mother, Mercy Giah, to ensure she receives urgent psychosocial counseling and emotional support following the traumatic loss of her children.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to working closely with law enforcement agencies, health authorities, and community leaders to ensure that justice is served.
Officials stressed that investigations must be thorough, transparent, and evidence-based to determine the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The Ministry also used the occasion to caution citizens against violence and harmful social practices, particularly violence linked to witchcraft accusations, which continue to pose serious threats to social stability and child safety in some communities.
The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and the residents of Mehnla Town.
The Ministry assured the public that it will continue to prioritize child protection advocacy, strengthen community awareness programs, and support justice mechanisms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Authorities say the suspect remains in custody while investigations continue, and additional details will be released as they become available.
