Six detained in Nimba County for killing of Burkinabe farmer

Published: May 22, 2025

GANTA, Nimba County – Police in Nimba County are holding six men for questioning following the fatal shooting of a 20-year-old Burkinabe national, Badu Abulie, in the Doeblee forest, Electoral District 6.

Among those in custody is 54-year-old Augustine Gaye, identified by fellow detainees as the prime suspect. According to police, Gaye was allegedly seen with a single-barrel gun heading toward the area where the shooting occurred on May 20. Gaye has denied the allegation, claiming he had given the firearm to an Ivorian friend some time ago.

“We have six persons of interest in custody. Two of them accused another of carrying a single-barrel gun and heading in the direction where the incident occurred,” said Emmanuel W. Gruasie, Crime Services Division Commander for Nimba County.

How the Killing Unfolded

According to police reports obtained by The Liberian Investigator, Abulie was cooking a meal at his farm in the Doeblee forest when he was gunned down by an unidentified shooter. His two brothers, Kabrie Salif and Babrie Daudu, told investigators that they were resting under a nearby tree when they heard a gunshot from the direction where their brother was cooking. Upon rushing to the scene, they found Abulie lying dead, with no sign of the perpetrator.

Authorities were notified around 8 p.m. by a local resident, prompting the Liberia National Police to dispatch a joint investigative team to the forest. The team contacted the Officer in Charge of the SKG Health Care Clinic in Doeblee, who confirmed through medical examination that Abulie died from a gunshot wound around 5 p.m.

Coroner Jury Findings and Arrest

A 15-member coroner jury was subsequently convened and reported that foul play was involved in the death. Based on a community tip, police arrested Augustine Gaye near the scene of the shooting.

The investigation remains ongoing, and law enforcement officials have not yet pressed formal charges.

Abulie’s remains have been turned over to his brothers for burial, according to police.