By: Linda Gbartie
MONROVIA: The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has described as “cruel, barbaric and inhumane” the chopping of the left hand of a woman by a man in Ganta, Nimba County, for allegedly passing through his house yard.
Daniel Tokpah, 55, according to eyewitnesses, is now helping the Nimba County Dispatchment of the Liberia National Police (LNP) with its investigation on the matter.
Witnesses say Tokpah is a neighbor of the victim and also a lecturer of Nimba University.
In the early hours of Sunday, April 7, 2024, in Jacob Town Community, Zone 2, Ganta City, David N. Tokpah horrifically cutoff Jessica David’s left hand and further inflicted multiple stab wounds upon her.
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, in a statement issue in Monrovia on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, said such acts of violence against women and girls are flagrant violations of their fundamental human rights.
The Ministry stands in solidarity with Ms. David and as well vehemently condemns the brutal assault against her as well as all women enduring various forms of violence.
According to them, the Ministry social workers in Nimba County have promptly responded to the situation to offer psychosocial support, and moral assistance to stabilized the survivor in collaboration with their colleagues for the Ministry of Health who are also offering immediate medical assistance.
It has come to light, according to the Ministry that Tokpah had previously warned Ms. David against passing through his property due to unresolved issues between them which disagreement escalated into an appalling act of aggression, demonstrating an unacceptable level of barbarism that cannot be tolerated in any civilized society.
However, the Ministry made it cleared on the issues that there is no justification for violence and wickedness and categorically denounces Tokpah’s actions.
Furthermore, the MoGCSP emphasized that Tokpah’s inhumane behavior undermines ongoing efforts to eradicate all forms of violence against women and girls.
“We reiterate our unwavering support for women and girls who have experienced violence, whether as victims or survivors, and we vehemently condemn all forms of brutality against them,” MoGCSP said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry highlighted the importance of implementing national laws and policies aimed at combating Gender-based Violence and other human rights violations affecting women, children, and vulnerable populations.
In regards to recent trends and data on Sexual Gender-Base Violence (SGBV), the Ministry of Gender has called upon the Ministry of Justice and other institutions responsible to take immediate action by launching on impartial investigation to ensure that justice is served in accordance with Liberian law.
“We will continue to collaborate with the Ministry of Justice until the alleged perpetrator is apprehended and brought to trial. We urged the public to join us in our efforts to raise awareness and take decisive and practical everyday action to combat all forms of violence against women and children. When you see something wrong, report it, let’s fight the fight and walk the talk together,” said MoGCSP.
