-In Nimba County
NIMBA COUNTY, Liberia – A one-year-old boy drowned Tuesday in an uncovered well in the Garmah-Gbein Community of Sanniquellie, Nimba County.
By Shallon S. Gonlor | shallonsgonlor@gmail.com/Nimba County Correspondent
The infant, identified as 1 year and 1 month old, was reported missing around noon. After an extensive search involving family and police, his body was discovered in the well at approximately 8:30 p.m.
The child’s parents, who operate a cookbowl (small-scale, informal food vending business), said the boy wandered away unnoticed during the day’s activities. After realizing he was missing, they alerted police and issued a public announcement on local radio, initially suspecting a possible kidnapping.
The search continued for hours without success. As nightfall hampered efforts, the family recalled an uncovered well in the area. A subsequent, focused search of the well led to the tragic discovery.
Community members noted that the well, though secured by a door, had been left uncovered, creating a hidden hazard. Residents had previously raised concerns about the danger posed by the open well.
