By Ben TC Brooks
Tappita, Lower Nimba [July 1, 2025] – A Local broadcast Journalist, identified as Alex Yormie, who works for Radio Laweai, was allegedly kidnapped and forcibly detained last night by Melvin Gbelia Duo, the Culture Superintendent of Lower Nimba County.
According to various sources, Mr. Yormie was taken by Mr. Duo and members of the Poro Society for supposedly breaching sacred customs by airing sensitive information from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Witnesses report that he faced physical violence before being transported to an unknown location.
In a statement, Superintendent Duo claimed that members of the Poro Society had detained Mr. Yormie and that he would face consequences in accordance with tradition.
Meanwhile, Mr. Yormie’s wife, Pauline Grugbye, is urgently appealing to local authorities in Tappita City for intervention in order to secure her husband’s safe return. She made this plea during an appearance on the radio show Issues on the Table on Voice of Tappita.
Tappita City Mayor M. Karlewoe Dahn has condemned the incident, noting that the Ministry of Internal Affairs has mandated a suspension of all traditional activities starting January 2026.
The Mayor is urging the Nimba County Administration to act quickly and effectively to address the situation and uphold the rule of law.
However, the Press Union-of Liberia is demanding the immediate release of journalist Yormie. The union says it is actively monitoring the situation and calls on the Ministries of Internal Affairs and Information to restrain Poro authorities from intimidating and harassing journalists
