Local police said the deceased was alerted to the presence of a dangerous hippo by two young boys before the attack, which took place on Wednesday around 6:00 PM.
James Gai Akuein, a police officer stationed at Mayen Payok payam, provided details of the incident in an exclusive interview on Friday.
He explained that the two boys had crossed the river when they spotted the hippo, which appeared aggressive and likely to attack. Alarmed, they rushed to the other side of the river, where they encountered Koor and warned him of the animal’s threatening behaviour.
As Koor stood at the riverbank, absorbing the boys’ account, the hippo suddenly emerged from the water, attacked him, and inflicted fatal injuries before fleeing back into the river’s depths. Despite efforts to locate the animal, it did not retreat to nearby haffirs—dug pools used for road construction sand extraction—and could not be found.
“This devastating event happened around 6:00 PM when the hippo surfaced from the river,” Gai recounted. “The boys saw it, ran to the other side, and met Bak Wol Koor, who tragically died from the injuries inflicted by the hippo.”
Gai noted that this incident marks the third recorded hippopotamus attack in Gogrial West County, raising significant concerns among residents. The growing frequency of such encounters has instilled fear in communities living near rivers, particularly during the rainy season when flooding is common.
Gai emphasised the need for heightened vigilance among the local population, as wild animals like hippos and crocodiles become more active and dangerous during periods of flooding.
“These incidents are more prevalent when rivers swell, making those living along the riverbanks especially vulnerable,” he said. He urged residents to stay cautious and avoid unnecessary risks near water bodies known to harbour such wildlife.
Wildlife authorities have also issued guidance, encouraging the public to report any sightings or incidents involving dangerous animals promptly. They strongly advise against taking matters into their own hands by attempting to kill wildlife, as this could undermine conservation efforts.
The Ministry of Wildlife is actively developing strategies to promote wildlife conservation, with the long-term goal of fostering a sustainable tourism industry in South Sudan, a nation still in its early stages of development. By protecting its unique wildlife, the ministry aims to position tourism as an attractive and economically viable sector.
Gai reiterated the importance of community awareness, stressing that residents must remain proactive and alert to avoid further tragedies. As flooding continues to heighten the risk of encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and other wildlife, local authorities and wildlife officials are calling for cooperation to ensure both human safety and the preservation of South Sudan’s natural heritage.
