Monrovia — In a heartbreaking incident that has shocked the nation, a 58-year-old woman from River Gee County was stripped naked, publicly humiliated and forced to parade through her community after being accused of practicing witchcraft.
By Patience M. Jones patiencejones@frontpageafricaonline.com
The disturbing incident, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, has reignited concerns about the persistence of harmful traditional practices, violence against women, and the vulnerability of elderly women in rural Liberia.
According to the Liberia National Police (LNP), the victim, Madam Regina Partah, a 58-year-old woman, was subjected to cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment on March 8 in Torroken Town, Kilepo Chiefdom, River Gee County.
Police investigations revealed that Madam Partah was allegedly forced to strip naked and publicly parade through the town by individuals who accused her of witchcraft.
Authorities further allege that Abraham Koklue, a 21-year-old Guinean national believed to be a traditional medicine practitioner, carried a single-barrel rifle, fired several rounds into the air and ordered the woman to repeatedly squat while community members looked on.
Perhaps even more disturbing was the apparent participation and support of some residents, including women, who were heard in the video justifying the abuse based on allegations that the victim had caused harm through witchcraft.
The Liberia National Police has since launched a full-scale investigation and arrested five individuals allegedly connected to the incident.
Those currently under investigation include Abraham Koklue, Cyrus Tenpo, Thomas Sloh, Doe Wapplo II, and Patrick Swen.
Speaking in River Gee County, ACP Theophilus Togbah, Commander of the Liberia National Police Detachment, confirmed the arrests and assured the public that the matter remains under active investigation.
“The investigation remains active, and anyone found criminally liable will be dealt with in accordance with the laws of Liberia,” ACP Togbah stated.
The case has generated widespread outrage among citizens, human rights advocates and women’s rights organizations, who have condemned the incident as a gross violation of human dignity and fundamental human rights.
For many observers, the image of an elderly woman stripped of her dignity before an entire community serves as a painful reminder that accusations of witchcraft continue to place women—particularly older women—at risk of abuse, violence, and social exclusion.
No allegation, rumor or suspicion should ever justify the public humiliation of another human being. Every citizen, regardless of age, gender, social status or accusation, is entitled to dignity, due process, and protection under the law.
The incident comes at a time when Liberia is intensifying efforts to eliminate harmful traditional practices.
On February 10, the National Campaigners Against Harmful Traditional Practices (NACAHP), with support from UN Women, the Embassy of Ireland and other partners, launched the “Born Perfect, Stay Perfect” campaign in Totota, Bong County.
The initiative seeks to combat Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and other harmful practices affecting women and girls across Liberia.
While the campaign focuses primarily on ending harmful practices against women and girls, the events in Kilepo demonstrate that much work remains to be done in protecting vulnerable citizens from abuse rooted in harmful beliefs, stigma and discrimination.
Women’s rights advocates argue that safeguarding women and girls must extend beyond policy commitments and awareness campaigns to include stronger community engagement, law enforcement action and accountability for perpetrators.
What happened to Madam Regina Partah is more than an isolated incident—it is a test of Liberia’s commitment to human rights, justice, and the protection of its most vulnerable citizens.
As the investigation continues, many Liberians are asking a difficult but necessary question: Is this the society we want for ourselves?
The answer will be measured not only by the outcome of this case but also by the collective willingness of communities, leaders and institutions to stand against violence, reject harmful practices, and uphold the dignity of every human being.
Justice for Madam Partah is not only about one woman. It is about protecting the rights, dignity and humanity of all women and girls in Liberia.
