Police in Gogrial West County, Warrap State, have reported
that a 47-year-old man was killed by a hippopotamus on Wednesday evening around
6PM in Mayen Pajok Payam.
According to 1st Lt. James Gai Akuien, Inspector of Police
in Mayen Pajok Payam, the victim, identified as Bak Wol Koor, was reportedly
traveling from Mayen Pajok to Kuech village when he was attacked by the animal
near a water pond.
“Two boys who were sitting near water pond told him to be
vigilant because the hippo is hiding near water pond. So, he stopped to listen
to know where the hippo is exactly hiding. Immediately the hippo came out and
attacked him, killing him on spot and ran to the swampy area,” Akuien reported.
This is not the first death caused by a hippopotamus attack
in Warrap State. Several similar incidents have occurred since 2022, with
multiple lives lost.
The community has raised concerns and urged the wildlife department to deploy game wardens to protect residents from deadly hippo
attacks. However, the issue remains unaddressed, and the attacks continue
across the state.
In response to rising threats, the wildlife department in Warrap State had sanctioned the killing of aggressive animals, including hippopotamuses and hyenas.