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| Jerry Gonyon’s Killers Under Investigation-Widows Say He Was Poisoned |
| Published on August 30, 2006 | Email To Friend Print Version
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Report reaching this paper reveals that 11 citizens in Nimba County are currently undergoing a traditional investigation in connection with the death of the late Chief Jerry Gonyon.
The late Gonyon who reportedly died mysteriously on May 30 this year was an eminent citizen in Liberia and served the Liberian Government in several capacities including Deputy Internal Affairs Minister, before his death.
Though the actual cause leading to the death of Chief Gonyon had not been revealed, latest report gathered from his immediate family alleged that he was poisoned.
According to a statement issued by the two widows of Gonyon – Rebecca K. Gonyon and Melay Mary Gonyon –, during the 4-day burial feast of their late husband, 11 persons were linked to his death.
The widows said those accused were involved in a family house spot and a land dispute with their late husband. The statement indicated that the elders in the county have investigated the suspects and that the traditional medicine (poison) used to allegedly kill Chief Gonyon has been identified.
Those accused of allegedly scheming to kill Chief Gonyon, according to the statement, include Jackson Duo, Kardaker Weahn and Joseph Zair of Behyipea Town in Nimba County.
The statement further named Moses Karteah, Harris Kagorkan, Jospeh Quemie, Betty Kagorkan, Sammy Langar and William Kar of Zontuo, the birth town of the late Gonyon.
Others according to the statement are Gaye Adolphus (Poma Zoe, meaning chief witchcraft catcher), and Oldman Tuah of Nimba County. “These people are presently undergoing an investigation surrounding the death of our dearest husband, Chief Gonyon”, the widows said in a statement a copy of which this paper has.
The statement said the accused are expected to undergo a traditional ordeal called “Nakpiah” which would prove them guilty or not guilty of allegations levied against them. The accused are expected to pay an amount of L$12,000 to facilitate their trip to neighboring Ivory Coast for the ordeal, according to reports gathered.
Sources from Nimba say “Nakpiah” makes people to confess their involvement into an activity they are accused of, if they actually did.
Family sources told The Informer that an alligator bladder was mixed with the late Gonyon’s traditional medicine he usually takes when he felt sick.
According to the family members who spoke to this paper yesterday, the late Goryon left his medicine with an in-law, Jackson Duo, one of the suspects, who he trusted and went to another town for an occasion.
While away, Oldman Tuah, another suspect allegedly prepared the alligator’s bladder at which time he and Duo allegedly connived to mix the bladder with Chief Gonyon’s medicine.
Relatives said the late Gonyon took his medicine home (unaware of it being poisoned) and took in some on Tuesday morning (May 30) when he was not feeling well while preparing for a case. He died at 8:30P.M. the same day.
The widows of Gonyon said they have sought the material, moral and other advice of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, but the Ministry has only advised them to release the accusers and allow God to judge them.
The widows said they want the public to be aware of the circumstances that led to the death of the man who stood firm against corruption in government.
“So, if issues surrounding his death are not made public and we don’t tell his friends and institutions thank you, he will not rest in peace”, the widows said, and noted that they were still seeking views from the public on the matter. This paper has not succeeded in contacting any of the accused. Investigation continues.
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