Liberia: Mobs Burned Witch, Wizards' Homes

Monrovia, Liberia - Reports gathered by this paper indicate that the homes of people accused of witchcrafts activities were burned down by angry residents following their release on the orders of Solicitor General, Cllr. Tiawon Gongloe.

The accused were reportedly chased out of the town by angry residents, most of them are youths. Some times ago, four persons were arrested in connection with the disappearance of Yonjay Togba in Manneh Town, Timbo District, Rivercess County.

Those arrested included the paramount Chief Dixon Nyeneh, his wife Mowee Dixon, Jay Payleh, and Nyensieh Woen. However, during his visit, Cllr. Gongloe reportedly ordered their release on grounds of the lack of evidence against them was not enough.

He is quoted as saying that the practice of using Iron Wood Bark as ordeal is no longer acceptable in the country. According the Program Director of the Rivercess Radio, Perry Chea, the accused were resisted by the youths of the Beach Town.

He said the youths demanded that the accused with their families to leave the town, and threatened to take further action if they did not comply with the demand.

He noted that the local authority ordered the arrest of those involved in the mob justice and nine persons have so far arrest and are awaiting prosecution.

He said Yonjay Togba went missing about two months ago, but the person who conducted the ordeal said Yonjay was offered as sacrifice by his relatives but stopped short of saying names.