(Gogrial) – A 45 year old man was killed by a hippopotamus near the riverbank in Mayen Payok payam, Gogrial West County, Warrap State, in an incident that has raised growing concerns about human wildlife conflict in South Sudan’s flood prone regions.
The victim, Bak Wol Koor, was fatally attacked around 6:00 PM on Wednesday after being warned by two boys who had seen the hippo in the river. Despite their efforts to alert him, the animal charged unexpectedly while Koor stood near the riverbank, inflicting fatal injuries before returning to the water.
Local police officer James Gai Akuein confirmed the details during an interview on Friday. He said the boys had just crossed the river when they noticed the hippo behaving aggressively. Alarmed by what they saw, they rushed to the other side where they found Koor and informed him about the threat.
As Koor listened, the hippo suddenly emerged and launched the attack. “This tragic incident occurred just after 6:00 PM,” said Gai. “The boys saw the hippo first. They tried to warn Bak Wol Koor, but sadly, he was killed on the spot by the animal.”
Efforts to track the hippo after the attack were unsuccessful. Wildlife officials searched nearby water points, including haffirs—excavated pools created for sand extraction used in roadworks—but the animal was not found.
This is the third reported hippo attack in Gogrial West County, according to local authorities, adding to the sense of fear among riverine communities. The rise in incidents is believed to be linked to the current rainy season, which causes riverbanks to swell and increases wildlife movement in populated areas.
Police and wildlife officials have called for greater caution among residents living near rivers, particularly in areas prone to flooding. Hippos and crocodiles, both commonly found in South Sudan’s waterways, pose serious risks during this time of year.
“These animals become more active during the rainy season, and people living along riverbanks are especially vulnerable,” Gai said. “We are asking the public to be very careful and avoid going close to the water unnecessarily.”
The Ministry of Wildlife has issued public safety guidelines in response to the incident. Officials have encouraged residents to report sightings of dangerous animals to local authorities rather than attempt to kill or chase them away. They warn that harming wildlife could undermine ongoing national conservation efforts.
South Sudan’s government has identified wildlife preservation as a key area for potential economic development. The Ministry of Wildlife is working to lay the groundwork for a sustainable tourism industry by protecting the country’s rich biodiversity. This includes education campaigns, community outreach, and better monitoring of high-risk zones.
However, balancing conservation and public safety remains a challenge, especially in rural areas where wildlife frequently interacts with human populations. Incidents like the one in Mayen Payok highlight the urgent need for enhanced risk communication and local training in wildlife safety.
Community leaders are urging the government to act quickly, both to protect people and to promote peaceful coexistence with wildlife. This includes support for local patrols, construction of warning systems near known animal habitats, and infrastructure improvements that can reduce direct contact between humans and wild animals.
