Stepmother Allegedly Pours Boiling Water on 11-Year-Old Girl
An 11-year-old girl in Kokoyah District, Bong County, has suffered severe burns after her stepmother allegedly poured boiling water on her as punishment, sparking outrage and calls for justice and stronger child protection measures in Liberia.
Daniel Theo Cole
Kokoyah, Bong County: A shocking case of child abuse has emerged in Kokoyah District, where a woman believed to be in her 30s is accused of pouring boiling water on the genitals of her 11-year-old stepdaughter, leaving the child with severe and life-altering injuries.
According to reports, the woman allegedly boiled a full kettle of water and deliberately poured it between the child’s legs as punishment for what she described as “misbehavior.”
A disturbing video circulating on social media, shared by Verity News, shows the victim with visible severe burns. In the footage, the child is seen sitting beside her stepmother the alleged perpetrator while both are being questioned. The woman appears to respond, though her voice is inaudible, while the young victim remains silent, seemingly overwhelmed by fear and trauma.
Local witnesses say the act was intentional and brutal, sparking outrage among residents and drawing condemnation from community members and local leaders.
The victim is reportedly in critical condition and in urgent need of medical attention.
Despite the gravity of the alleged assault and the growing public outcry, the suspect has reportedly not yet been arrested. Authorities are expected to launch a full investigation as calls intensify for swift justice. FrontPage Africa is also working to confirm the identity of the suspect and the current status of the case.
Rising Concern Over Child Abuse
The incident has renewed serious concerns about the state of child protection in Liberia. Despite efforts by the government and international partners to strengthen laws and safeguards, violence against children remains widespread.
A 2024 UNICEF report paints a troubling picture: 71 percent of children experience physical punishment, 80 percent face psychological aggression, and 28 percent of children between the ages of 5 and 17 are engaged in child labor.
The Kokoyah case stands as a painful reminder of the vulnerability of children and the urgent need for stronger enforcement of laws to protect them and hold perpetrators accountable.
More details are expected as investigations continue.
