– Over Disappearance of 27-year-old, as Police probe the matter

BY: SHALLON S. GONLOR
GBAO ZONTUO TOWN, NIMBA CO. — The community of Gbao Zontuo in Nimba County District #7 is gripped by fear and uncertainty following the mysterious disappearance of 27-year-old Elijah Webster Blaye. Elijah has been missing for three weeks, and despite extensive search efforts encompassing both local volunteers and state security forces, his whereabouts remain unknown.
A massive search operation involving the police, local volunteers, and a substantial reward has drawn significant attention to the case. The arrest of Elijah’s mother and several relatives has only intensified the intrigue surrounding his disappearance. However, for the residents of Gbao Zontuo, this situation is a daily reality, fraught with anxiety and fear.
The disappearance has had a profound impact on the community, particularly among farmers and students, who are now apprehensive about leaving their homes. The lack of information since Elijah was last seen on September 2, 2024, has led to a pervasive sense of fear. The past three weeks have been marked by abnormal activities, isolation, quarantines, and restricted travel, contributing to feelings of loneliness, frustration, and depression among the locals.
In response to the alarming situation, the Nimba County Police have initiated a criminal investigation into Elijah’s disappearance. Superintendent Emmanuel W. Gruesia of the Nimba County Police Department confirmed the launch of the investigation on Monday, September 23, 2024, citing suspicions of several serious aspects of the case.
“A large area has been covered in the search for him,” Gruesia stated. He also disclosed that a joint task force comprising four LDEA officers, nine patrol officers, fifteen watch forum officers, two LIS officers, and two CSD agents conducted ‘engagement meetings’ with citizens and local authorities in several communities within the Gboa clan. These meetings aimed to gather first-hand information to assist the investigation.
Despite these efforts, it appears that no one has come forward with fresh information. The police have urged the community to cooperate, emphasizing the need for credible leads to solve the mystery. On Monday afternoon, the police reiterated their appeal for information regarding Elijah’s disappearance, noting that he has been missing for 26 days without any concrete leads on his identification or whereabouts.
Residents have expressed their deep concern and have called on the police to resolve the mystery to restore a sense of safety and freedom of movement. The Liberia National Police, Nimba Detachment, has requested anyone with information about Elijah Blaye to contact them as the search and investigation continue.
Police have carried out extensive searches and inquiries in Gbao Zontuo and Troupoe towns. However, no definitive information has emerged to explain Elijah’s disappearance after he was last seen on September 2, 2024.
In Troupoe, the investigative team spoke with Elijah’s aunt, Annie Blaye, who informed them that she had not seen him since May 2024. Additionally, the investigation faced another setback when Abraham B. Gbah, who had promised to assist voluntarily, fell ill and was later pronounced dead at a nearby clinic.
The police continue to appeal for any information regarding Elijah’s whereabouts. They urge anyone close to Elijah, including friends and community members, to come forward. The search for Elijah Webster Blaye remains ongoing as authorities exert every effort to locate him and, if possible, reunite him with his family.