West Point Pastor Accused of Raping 12-Year-Old Girl

Monrovia, Liberia: A wave of outrage is building in the West Point township following allegations that a pastor identified as Chris Dortu from the 12 Apostles Church International has raped a 12-year-old girl. The harrowing account was brought to light by the victim's aunt, Jestina T. Chea, in a narration to K-news.

According to Madam Chea, the young victim, identified as Princess (not her real name), recounted a disturbing encounter after returning from school. Princess stated that Pastor Chris asked her to buy him water. Upon returning with the water, she found his door ajar. After calling out his name without response, she entered to place the water on a table. It was then, she alleges, that the pastor grabbed her from behind, threw her onto the bed, and covered her nose with a pillow. Princess claims she screamed after managing to get up.

“She stood at the door and called him. There was no answer,” Chea told K-News. “So she stepped inside to place the water on his table. As she turned to leave, he grabbed her from behind, threw her on the bed, and pressed a pillow over her face. When she managed to get up, she started screaming.”

The aunt further alleged that she observed semen on the pastor as he left the room, which she said dripped onto the floor near the door.

Following her niece's disclosure, Madam Chea stated that she immediately reported the incident to the Women and Children Protection Section. She informed them of the pastor's presence at his residence at the time of the report. While she was assured that the police would be contacted, upon her return to the community, she discovered that Pastor Chris had allegedly been hidden by his mother and sister.

Madam Chea also revealed that the pastor has since fled the community, Adding to the distress, she stated that she received a call from her younger brother confirming he had seen the pastor in Robert Sport.

“Just now, I received a call from my younger brother. He saw Pastor Chris in Robertsport, Grand Cape Mount,” Chea said, urging police to act quickly before the suspect disappears entirely.

The victim's mother, Sussan G. Manneh, has voiced her anguish and demand for justice. She insists that Pastor Chris be imprisoned for the alleged crime, stating that he has "already spoiled her daughter's future."

This incident has ignited calls for justice . The 12 Apostles Church International has yet to release an official statement regarding the allegations.

Sexual Violence and Justice in Liberia

This case adds to a growing number of reports involving sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Liberia. Despite existing laws, including the 2005 Rape Law, which mandates severe penalties, including life imprisonment for therape of minors, enforcement remains inconsistent, particularly in cases involving powerful or influential figures.

In2020, Liberia declared rape a national emergency in response to the rising cases of sexual violence. However, many victims continue to face social stigma, and delayed justice.