Hippo attack leaves man battling for life in Aweil East

AWEIL – A 30-year-old man is currently receiving medical treatment after being attacked by a hippopotamus while bathing in a river at Wun-Atem-mei village in Aweil East County in South Sudan’s Northern Bahr El Ghazal State.

The Health Education Focal Point at Aweil Civil Hospital, Luka Lual Aleu Jok, told Sudans Post that the incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon along the River Lol, which passes near Wun-Atem-mei village, close to Pariak town.

According to Jok, the victim, identified as Beng Garang Aguer, was bathing in the river at around 2:00 p.m. when the hippo attacked and bit him. Initial reports from the area were confused, with some residents believing the man had died at the scene. However, hospital officials later clarified that the victim survived and was rushed to Aweil Civil Hospital for urgent medical care.

“What happened is that the man was bitten by a hippo while bathing at Wun-Atem-mei village, where the River Lol passes,” Jok said. “He sustained serious injuries to his leg and thigh.”

Jok confirmed that the victim is currently admitted at Aweil Civil Hospital and is under close medical observation. Despite the severity of the injuries, health workers say the patient is responding positively to treatment.

“The victim is being treated here at the hospital, and we are closely monitoring his condition,” Jok explained. “He was bitten on the leg and thigh, but according to the initial reports, he is responding well to the treatment so far.”

The hospital official warned residents to exercise extreme caution when using rivers for bathing and other domestic activities, particularly in areas known to be inhabited by wild animals such as hippopotamuses. He emphasized that hippo attacks are not new in the area.

“This is not the first time a hippo has attacked people in the river,” Jok said. “Such incidents have been occurring repeatedly and pose a serious threat to people’s lives.”

Local residents have on several occasions appealed to authorities to address the danger posed by wild animals along the river. Some community members have called for the killing of aggressive animals to protect lives. However, Jok noted that wildlife authorities often oppose such actions, citing conservation laws and tourism policies.

While the Ministry of Wildlife and Tourism promotes the protection of wild animals as part of efforts to preserve biodiversity and encourage tourism, residents say their safety remains uncertain. Community members complain that people are sometimes arrested when a wild animal is killed, even in situations involving self-defence.