By Amos Harris
Monrovia, Liberia — The New Georgia Gulf Community is reeling in shock and outrage following the brutal assault on a 7-year-old girl, whose finger was allegedly chopped off by a woman in an act residents have described as “barbaric” and “inhumane.” The suspect is now in police custody.
The victim, identified as Georgina, was reportedly injured after she accidentally dropped the woman’s baby while trying to help. Eyewitnesses say the infant was unharmed, but the woman allegedly retaliated by chopping off one of Georgina’s fingers.
The child is now receiving urgent medical care at a local health facility in New Georgia. Medical workers report that the injury has left her permanently disfigured, sparking renewed concerns about child protection and accountability in Liberia.
The suspect, who initially fled the scene, was tracked down and arrested by police. She is currently being held at the Zone 4 Depot awaiting investigation. Authorities have promised swift prosecution, emphasizing that such cruelty will not be tolerated.
Community members expressed anger and disbelief, calling the incident a painful reminder of the abuse and violence children in Liberia continue to face.
“This is not just a crime against one child; it is a crime against humanity,” a child protection activist declared. “If perpetrators of such wicked acts are not punished, it will embolden others to abuse innocent children with impunity.”
Reports suggest that Georgina had been living with the suspect, who presented herself as a guardian after bringing the child from Compound 2. Following the attack, Georgina’s mother, Yamah, was urgently called to the scene.
Civil society groups and child rights advocates are demanding that the government enforce tougher laws against child abuse and raise awareness about responsible caregiving.
“This case should sound an alarm for parents and guardians everywhere,” a youth activist said. “We must be careful who we entrust our children with, because misplaced trust can lead to irreversible damage.”
The gruesome attack has left the New Georgia Gulf community shaken. Many residents are calling for the full weight of the law to be brought down on the perpetrator. Little Georgina’s cries, they say, echo a larger, urgent reality: Liberia’s need to strengthen its child protection systems to ensure children can grow up safe and secure.
