By By The People News Online
Monrovia, Liberia – The Forestry Development Authority (FDA) has confirmed the deaths of two individuals following separate elephant attacks in Gola Konneh District, Grand Cape Mount County — an incident the agency has described as a tragic reminder of growing human-wildlife conflict in Liberia’s forest regions.
According to an official FDA statement, the victims — identified as Mr. Peter Gbekonah, a hunter, and Mr. Prince Younger, a well-known community health assistant, both residents of Varguaye Town — lost their lives after encounters with elephants in late October and early November.
Reports from local residents and FDA rangers indicate that Mr. Gbekonah went on a hunting expedition on October 29 but failed to return. His body was discovered a day later after a community-led search. Tragically, while participating in the search effort for Mr. Gbekonah, Mr. Younger was also attacked and killed by an elephant in the same forest. His remains were found on November 6 after an extensive search operation.
The FDA expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased and the affected communities, assuring that steps are being taken to address the situation and prevent future occurrences.
Preliminary investigations by FDA rangers suggest that the elephants’ aggression may have been provoked by earlier incidents of poaching in the area. The agency’s October patrol report revealed that hunters in Gbanjue Town, Porkpa District — a neighboring community — recently killed a forest elephant and removed its tusks, leaving the carcass behind. The FDA believes this act may have triggered the elephants’ retaliatory behavior.
Further assessments by the agency identified additional factors contributing to human-wildlife conflicts in the region, including illegal gold mining, excessive hunting for bushmeat, and habitat destruction caused by shifting cultivation.
The FDA noted ongoing challenges such as inadequate manpower, limited logistics, and low budgetary support, but confirmed that a team of rangers and wildlife technicians has been deployed to the affected area to restore calm and ensure public safety.
“The situation remains dangerous for human movement in parts of the forest,” the FDA warned, urging residents to avoid trespassing into elephant habitats while rehabilitation and monitoring efforts continue.
The agency also appealed to the national government, development partners, and humanitarian organizations to provide emergency support to affected communities, many of which are now facing food and water shortages due to restricted access to their farms.
“The safety of our people remains our top priority,” the statement emphasized. “This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for a coordinated national approach to manage human-wildlife conflict while protecting Liberia’s rich biodiversity.”
The FDA extended appreciation to local leaders, the county administration, and the Grand Cape Mount Legislative Caucus for their cooperation during the ongoing response efforts, reaffirming its commitment to both community welfare and the conservation of Liberia’s forest and wildlife heritage.
