Moses Saye Village, Zehnla Administrative District, Nimba County – A tragic shooting incident involving two minors has escalated into violent unrest between communities in Nimba County.
Sources from Moses Saye Village confirmed to The One Nimba House Media Inc (Nimba D-9 TV) and Radio Voice of Yarwin Mehnsonnoh 99.1FM that a 12-year-old child(name withheld) lost his life in a firearm mishap after allegedly being handed a loaded single-barrel gun by a hunter identified as Archie King.
King, who hails from Gbolyee, the first town in Nimba County Electoral District Six from District Nine was reportedly traveling to District Nine to retrieve his dog in Moses Saye Village.
During the journey, he handed his firearm, loaded with a live bullet, to the deceased.
Upon arrival, an 11-year-old boy (name withheld) took the gun and removed the bullet.
The deceased reportedly attempted to demonstrate the same action when the firearm was accidentally discharged by the 11-year-old, fatally shooting the 12-year-old from Gbolyee.
Escalation of Violence
The tragic death ignited immediate outrage. Enraged citizens of Gbolyee stormed Moses Saye Village, burying the deceased on the front porch of the late Moses Saye’s wife’s house.
In a shocking act of retaliation, they set the house ablaze and proceeded to destroy property.
The violence escalated further as the mob advanced to Johnson Village or Barkpoyee Village, looting homes and seizing livestock, including cattle that served as the community’s primary livelihood.
The chaotic scene forced residents to flee for their lives, with many now displaced.
Legal Actions and Authorities’ Response
Local authorities from Yarwin Mehnsonnoh Statutory District, Nimba County Electoral District Nine, and Tappita were immediately notified.
Archie King, the hunter responsible for handing over the firearm, has been arrested and is now in police custody in Sanniquellie.
The 11-year-old shooter and his father have been taken into detention in Zekepa for further investigation.
Political and Community Leaders Call for Calm
Nimba County Electoral District Nine Representative Taa Z. Wongbe has been briefed on the incident and has called for calm. He is engaging leaders from both Nimba County Electoral Districts Nine and Six to prevent further violence. Wongbe expressed deep regret over the loss of life and the destruction of properties, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution.
Nimba D-9 TV Strong Analysis: The Dangerous Intersection of Negligence and Communal Tensions
This tragic event underscores several pressing issues:
Negligence and Irresponsibility with Firearms – The fact that an adult hunter carelessly handed a loaded weapon to a minor is not just reckless but criminal. Liberia has seen too many preventable gun-related deaths due to poor firearm regulations and a lack of education on gun safety.
Weak Law Enforcement in Rural Communities – The rapid escalation of violence—arson, looting, and property destruction—exposes the fragile state of law enforcement in rural areas. The absence of an immediate security response allowed vigilantism to spiral out of control.
Ethnic and District-Based Rivalries – The retaliatory attack suggests deep-seated tensions between communities from different electoral districts. These types of incidents, if not handled carefully, can lead to long-term animosity and cycles of revenge, disrupting regional peace.
The Role of Traditional Leadership vs. State Authority – The swift burial of the victim and retaliatory violence highlight the breakdown of legal processes in resolving conflicts. Traditional leaders must work closely with state security to ensure that justice is served through proper legal channels rather than mob action.
What’s Next?
Law enforcement must take swift and decisive action to prevent further retaliatory violence.
The government should engage community leaders in conflict mediation to restore peace between the affected villages.
This incident should prompt a national conversation on firearm safety and child protection laws to prevent future tragedies.
As investigations continue, it remains critical for local authorities, lawmakers, and civil society to intervene effectively and ensure that justice is served—not just for the deceased but also for the innocent citizens now suffering from the aftermath of the violence.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates from Nimba D-9 TV and Radio Voice of Yarwin Mehnsonnoh 99.1FM.
