MEHNLA TOWN, Nimba County — The quiet farming settlement of Mehnla, located approximately 20 kilometers from Saclepea in Nimba County, has been plunged into mourning following the alleged killing of three young children by their grandmother, an incident police say is linked to escalating family tensions and accusations of witchcraft.
The suspect, Mary Giah, believed to be between 61-year-old according to varying police accounts, was arrested by officers of the Liberia National Police (LNP) in connection with the deaths of her three grandchildren in Mehnla Town, District 9.
The incident occurred early Sunday morning, February 22, inside the family’s thatched-roof home.
Residents say the town awoke to one of the darkest mornings in its history. Mehnla, where neighbors share harvests and children roam freely between homes, is not accustomed to violence of this scale.
“It was something we only hear about in faraway places,” one resident said, his voice trembling. “Not here. Not inside a family.”
According to police sources, the victims — believed to be her daughter’s children — were between the ages of four and eight. They were discovered inside their grandmother’s residence with multiple stab wounds allegedly inflicted with a knife and razor blade.
Authorities confirmed that visible injuries were observed on the bodies. In its official statement, the LNP identified the deceased minors as: Melvina Ziansaye – Female, 4 years old; Walalenon Tokpah – Male, 2 years old; and Menwaseh Giah – Male, 6 years old.
“The deceased minors have been identified as: Melvina Ziansaye – Female, 4 years old Walalenon Tokpah – Male, 2 years old, Menwaseh Giah – Male, 6 years old. The bodies of the three children were discovered inside their grandmother’s residence.
Authorities observed visible injuries on the victims. The remains of the deceased are currently being processed in line with investigative procedures, while suspect Mary Giah remains in police custody, undergoing further investigation,” the police stated in a release issued through its press bureau.
The discovery of the children’s bodies sent shockwaves throughout the rural farming community. Witnesses recounted scenes of disbelief as word spread rapidly from one end of the town to the other. Mothers reportedly clutched their children tightly, while men abandoned their farms and rushed toward the scene.
Police say the suspect allegedly fled to a nearby town following the incident but was apprehended shortly after the matter was reported. According to preliminary investigation, suspect Mary Giah allegedly fled to a nearby town following the incident but was subsequently apprehended by police shortly after the matter was reported.
Commander APC Larmin Mendin of the LNP’s Nimba Detachment confirmed the arrest and the launch of a full-scale investigation.
“We have apprehended the suspect and launched a full investigation into the matter,” Mendin said. “We urge the public to remain calm and allow the law to take its course.”
Investigators disclosed that during questioning, Giah allegedly admitted to the killings. Police sources further indicated that the suspect claimed her actions were influenced by ongoing accusations of witchcraft leveled against her by her daughter’s boyfriend.
“She told investigators that she acted after repeated claims that she was a witch,” a police source said, adding that family tensions had reportedly been escalating in the days leading up to the tragedy.
The boyfriend, whose identity has not been released, has been questioned by authorities but has not been charged as investigations continue. Police emphasized that inquiries remain active and that all individuals connected to the matter are being interviewed to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Nimba County Police spokesperson Officer James Toe confirmed that the suspect is currently being held at the Saclepea detention center.
“The investigation is ongoing,” Toe stated. “We are interviewing family members and examining the scene as part of efforts to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident. Further details will be released as they become available.”
Authorities say the case will be forwarded to court upon the conclusion of the investigation. The remains of the deceased are currently being processed in line with investigative procedures, while suspect Mary Giah remains in police custody undergoing further investigation. She will be formally charged and forwarded to court in accordance with Liberian law.
The LNP extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and assured the public that a thorough investigation is ongoing to ensure justice is served.
In many rural communities across Liberia, allegations of witchcraft can inflame longstanding tensions and sometimes trigger acts of violence, despite ongoing public awareness campaigns aimed at discouraging harmful traditional accusations.
As the investigation continues, Mehnla remains enveloped in grief. Prayer gatherings have replaced the usual sounds of children playing in open yards, and elders have convened meetings to reflect on the tragedy and its implications.
Source: Frontpage Africa
