The family of the late Boakai Jallah, a public-school teacher, is demanding justice after his body was found under gruesome circumstances in Beafinie Town, Senjeh District, Bomi County.
“He murdered in Bomi, in Beafinie to be precise, but the local authorities want to compromise the case. Please help us,” a source, who requested anonymity, told this newspaper.
According to the family, Jallah had been assisting as a teacher at Beafinie Public School, although it is unclear whether he was on the government payroll. He reportedly went missing for about a week before his body was discovered. Relatives alleged that parts of his body were missing when his remains were found.
The family also claims that local authorities, including the Town Chief, Clan Chief and Paramount Chief, failed to report his disappearance to authorities in Tubmanburg.
They further alleged that the matter was only brought to the attention of law enforcement after the body was discovered.
Relatives have raised concerns about what they describe as the slow pace of the investigation. They believe the police, the County Attorney’s Office and other justice officials in Bomi County have done little to move the case forward.
They also expressed disappointment over what they describe as the silence of local leaders and civil society organizations in Bomi County.
One family member said Jallah’s nephew has taken the lead in pursuing justice but is now living in fear after allegedly receiving threats.
“He is the only one running up and down seeking justice. Some people have warned him to keep quiet, saying his life will be at risk if he continues to pursue this case,” the relative alleged.
This newspaper has also obtained a leaked audio recording in which a family member claims that a man identified only as “Chief Jah” was mentioned in connection with Jallah’s death.
“He just told me that Chief Jah is heavily linked to BK’s death, but he asked me to keep it confidential. In fact, he said we should move to Monrovia because Tubmanburg is already compromised,” the anonymous voice asserted in the leaked audio.
This newspaper has not independently verified the claims made in the audio recording, and there is no indication that the individual identified as “Chief Jah” has been charged by the police or publicly identified as a suspect.
Efforts to obtain comments from the Liberia National Police, the Bomi County Attorney’s Office, local authorities and the individual identified in the audio were ongoing as of press time.
Jallah’s family is calling for a thorough and independent investigation into his disappearance and death. They say they will continue to seek justice until those responsible are identified and held accountable.
