By Hou Akot Hou
A 30‑year‑old man has been bitten by a hippopotamus at Wun‑Atem‑Mei village in Aweil East County, Northern Bahr el Ghazal State.
Health Education focal point, Luka Lual Aleu Jok, told this publication that the incident occurred on Tuesday at around 2:00 p.m. while the man was bathing in the River Lol near Pariak.
“The man, identified as Beng Garang Aguer, was bitten by a hippo as he was bathing at Wun‑Atem‑Mei village, where River Lol passes,” Jok explained.
He said the victim sustained injuries to his leg and thigh and is currently receiving treatment at Aweil Civil Hospital. “The victim is being treated here at the hospital as we continue to monitor him. According to initial reports, he is responding well to treatment,” Jok added.
The health official emphasized the need for caution, noting that many residents are not sufficiently wary of the dangers posed by wild animals. “This is not the first time a hippo has attacked people in the river. Such incidents have been recurring, and while communities often request that the animals be killed, wildlife authorities usually resist,” he said.
Jok further noted that these occurrences continue to pose threats, leaving residents uncertain about how to respond. “Many people do not know whether they are allowed to kill such wild animals, and those who attempt often face arrest,” he explained.
Despite ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Wildlife and Tourism to preserve wild animals for tourism purposes, local residents complain of inadequate assurances for their safety, as attacks remain a persistent concern.