Published: October 20, 2025
Weala, Margibi County —Residents of Weala, one of the fastest-growing rural-urban communities in Margibi County’s Fifth Electoral District, are mourning the tragic death of 14-year-old Unice Mulbah as the search continues for her 9-year-old cousin, Liamah Jackson, who remains missing days after Unice’s body was discovered in the Wea River.
According to family sources, the two girls left their home in the Peace Island community of Weala around 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2025, to dig cassava on a farm located across the river, about two hours walk away from town (Weala). They reportedly attempted to cross the river using a large stick laid across the water — a makeshift bridge often used by locals due to the lack of proper crossing facilities which guarantee safety.
Unice’s mother, Felicia Mulbah, said she was later informed that her daughters had tried to cross despite the river being heavily flooded. “They wanted to go and dig cassava, but the water was too full. They tried to cross, and that’s how this tragedy happened,” she said tearfully.
After four days of intensive search, community members discovered Unice’s body along the riverbank. A 15-member coroner’s jury examined the remains and found no signs of foul play. Her body has since been laid to rest.
Meanwhile, the search for 9-year-old Liamah continues. Residents and volunteers have been combing the riverbanks and nearby bushes, with some of the girls’ belongings reportedly found floating downstream, deepening fears about her fate.
The tragic incident has renewed calls for better infrastructure and safer crossings in riverine communities across Margibi County, where many residents risk their lives daily to access farms and markets.
Local authorities have yet to comment on any plans to improve safety in the area, as grief and uncertainty continue to grip the Weala community.
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