The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MGCSP) has expressed grave disappointment over the untimely demise of another woman, who succumbed to injuries from an acid attack.

Ms. Watta Sheriff, a 27-year-old woman, fell victim to an acid attack allegedly orchestrated by her ex-boyfriend, Momoh Kanneh, in Lowah Town, Klay District, Bomi County. Despite weeks of battling severe acid burns, Ms. Sheriff tragically passed away.

Describing the circumstances surrounding Ms. Sheriff’s passing as troubling and unfortunate, MGCSP vehemently condemns such acts that resulted in the death of promising young women. The Ministry extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved family.

This tragic incident is seen as a significant setback in the ongoing fight against all forms of violence targeting women, children, and vulnerable populations. MGCSP finds it appalling that despite widespread public outrage against such atrocities, certain individuals persist in engaging in reprehensible behavior that costs innocent lives.

These recurring instances of abuse underscore the urgent need for robust, aggressive, and collective national efforts aimed at eliminating violence against women, children, and men.

Ms. Sheriff was subjected to the acid attack on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, allegedly by the father of her child, in Lowah Town, Klay District, Bomi County. Following the attack, she was rushed to Tubmanburg Government Hospital for immediate medical attention. However, due to the severity of her injuries, she was transferred to Redemption Hospital in New Kru Town, where she tragically passed away.

The incident occurred after Ms. Sheriff had expressed her desire to end her relationship with Momoh, citing mistreatment. Despite her decision to return to her family in Lowah Town and relocate to Klay District, Momoh pursued her. Despite his attempts to reconcile, Ms. Sheriff remained steadfast, leading to Momoh demanding the return of items he had gifted her during their six-year relationship. Subsequently, Momoh clandestinely entered Ms. Sheriff’s home and carried out the heinous acid attack.

The Gender Ministry regards Ms. Sheriff’s death as a brutal manifestation of violence against women and girls, calling on all Liberians to intensify efforts to combat such inhumane acts.

Momoh’s actions are condemned as wicked, diabolical, and highly uncivilized, with the Ministry asserting that such approaches to resolving relationship issues should never be tolerated.

The Ministry extends its deepest sympathy to Ms. Sheriff’s family and the women of Liberia, reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the protection of women, children, and vulnerable populations from all forms of violence, abuse, and neglect.

Furthermore, the Ministry urges the Ministry of Justice to ensure that the alleged perpetrator is prosecuted in accordance with the Penal Law of Liberia to ensure justice for Ms. Sheriff’s family.

Meanwhile, the Ministry has pledged to provide psychosocial assistance and counseling to the bereaved family and closely monitor the case’s adjudication process.