Monrovia — A disturbing case of alleged child abuse has sent shockwaves across Monrovia after an 8-year-old girl, Noah Dennis, was reportedly burned on her hand by her aunt, sparking public outrage and renewed calls for stronger child protection enforcement. Little Noah was reportedly found in an unbearable condition at the Waterside Market, where she was selling goods alongside her grandaunt. Her right hand bore visible burn injuries, drawing the attention of concerned citizens, who later escorted the child to the West Point Police Station.
By Patience Jones
According to Noah’s account, the injuries were allegedly inflicted by Hellen Dennis, her aunt and the daughter of her grandaunt, Ma. Oretha Dennis. Noah reportedly said the incident occurred after she took a biscuit out of hunger, which belonged to her aunt’s child. In response, her aunt allegedly melted plastic bags in a fire and used them to burn her hand.
The child further alleged that her grandaunt instructed her not to disclose the incident, fearing that the matter would reach the police.
Despite the injury, Noah was allegedly taken daily from the Soul Clinic Community to Waterside Market to sell goods while her wounds remained untreated.
For clarity, authorities confirmed that Noah was not living with a stepmother, but rather with her late mother’s aunt, Ma. Oretha Dennis, following the death of her mother, who died in childbirth, according to reports.
Noah and her elder brother were taken in by the grandaunt and brought to Monrovia.
Reports indicate that Hellen Dennis has not yet turned herself in. Meanwhile, her mother, Ma. Oretha Dennis has been held by authorities pending the appearance of her daughter as investigations continue.
Residents of West Point have expressed deep frustration over the incident. One resident, Mr. Richard C. Sitakon, who has lived in the community for over 16 years, condemned the treatment of children brought from rural areas and forced into street trading instead of being sent to school.
“You look at a 6, 7, or 8-year-old child becoming a breadwinner for a family, this is too bad,” Mr. Sitakon said.
“If a child is brought from the interior, denied education, and forced to sell in the streets, that is child trafficking.” He urged the President, Vice President, Minister of Justice, Minister of Internal Affairs, and other relevant authorities to intervene decisively, warning that compromising such cases would further expose vulnerable children to abuse.
In a response, the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MGCSP) expressed deep sadness over the incident, describing it as inhumane and a gross violation of Liberia’s Children’s Law, which prohibits torture, cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment of children.
The Ministry confirmed that Noah Dennis is currently receiving medical treatment, psychosocial support, and child protection services at the MOSCA Clinic.
MGCSP stated it is working closely with the Ministry of Justice to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation, stressing that anyone found responsible will be held fully accountable under Liberian law.
The Ministry also called on the public to report all cases of child abuse, exploitation, and gender-based violence, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that every child in Liberia grows up in a safe, dignified, and nurturing environment.
