BY SHALLON S. GONLOR | shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
NIMBA COUNTY, Liberia — Nimba County Attorney Cllr. John D. Miah has warned that crime is on the rise across Nimba – with young people making up the majority of offenders according to crime statistics.
The 8th Judicial Circuit Court in Sanniquellie, Nimba County, has 157 civil cases and 54 criminal cases listed on the trial docket for the May Term of Court 2026, excluding sexually related offenses.
Speaking to newsmen on Tuesday at his office in the 8th Judicial Circuit Complex in Sanniquellie, Cllr. Miah said cases of rape, aggravated assault, manslaughter, murder, and armed robbery are among the most frequent offenses being prosecuted, and most are allegedly committed by youth.
“When you look at the crime statistics, young people dominate,” he said.
The county attorney singled out Ganta City as the epicenter of violent crime in Nimba. He described the bustling commercial hub as the county’s “crime center” – citing a surge in armed robbery cases originating from the area. “It’s a place where people are armed and robbing others,” Cllr. Miah stated.
The Nimba County Attorney further linked the increase in youth crime to rising drug use. He said a growing number of case files on his desk involve young people engaged in the drug trade.
“Young people are getting involved in the drug business, so we are seeing a series of drug-related cases. Some of them will go to trial this May Term of Court 2026,” he explained.
In closing, the county attorney urged young people to stay away from crime and avoid building criminal records. He encouraged them to pursue education and called on parents to talk to their children about staying off drugs and other crimes against humanity and the Republic of Liberia.
“If parents talk to their children and help them stay away from drugs, our entire community will be safer,” Miah said.
He stressed that early intervention at home is one of the most effective ways to break the cycle of youth crime. According to the county attorney, many of the drug-related cases reaching his office involve young people who started using substances at a young age without parental guidance or supervision.
Cllr. Miah urged families to take a more active role in monitoring their children’s activities and encouraging them to prioritize education over risky behavior.
“When parents are involved, young people make better choices,” he added.
