The Forestry Development Authority (FDA) has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic deaths of two residents of Gola Konneh District, Grand Cape Mount County, following separate elephant attacks believed to be linked to rising human-wildlife conflicts in the region.
The victims have been identified as Mr. Peter Gbekonah, a hunter, and Mr. Prince Younger, a well-known health assistant in Varguaye Town. According to the FDA, the incidents occurred on October 29 and November 1, 2025, respectively, after both men encountered aggressive elephants while in the forest.
Reports from local residents and FDA rangers indicate that Mr. Gbekonah had gone hunting on October 29 but failed to return home. His lifeless body was discovered a day later following a community search led by FDA rangers. Days later, tragedy struck again when Mr. Younger, who had joined the search team for the missing hunter, was also attacked and killed by an elephant in the same forest. His body was recovered on November 6 after another intense search effort.
The FDA extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Varguaye, acknowledging the emotional and economic toll of the incident. “We recognize the pain and hardship these families are facing and remain committed to supporting the affected communities,” the Authority stated.
Preliminary investigations conducted by FDA rangers revealed that the elephants’ aggression may have been triggered by an earlier killing of one of their kind. The October 2025 patrol report confirmed that a forest elephant was killed in Gbanjue Town, Porkpa District, a neighboring area to Varguaye, and its tusks removed before the carcass was abandoned. The FDA believes this act likely provoked the surviving elephants, leading to retaliatory behavior and the subsequent attacks.
Beyond this isolated event, the Authority’s investigation also identified broader causes of human-wildlife conflict in the area, including:
Industrial and artisanal gold mining, Excessive hunting and bushmeat trade, and Habitat destruction caused by shifting cultivation.
Despite facing resource limitations, such as low manpower, inadequate logistics, and insufficient budgetary support, the FDA disclosed that a special team of rangers and wildlife technicians has been deployed to restore calm in the affected communities.
“Our team has described the area as unsafe for human activities for now. We strongly advise residents to avoid entering the forest while we continue our rehabilitation and safety measures,” the Authority cautioned.
The FDA further appealed for urgent government and stakeholder intervention to assist the affected communities, many of which are now facing food and water shortages due to restricted access to their farmlands.
Reaffirming its mandate, the FDA emphasized its commitment to safeguarding both the nation’s wildlife and its citizens. “This is not just a wildlife issue, it is a human issue that demands immediate and collective action,” the statement read.
The Authority also extended gratitude to local chiefs, the Grand Cape Mount County administration, and the Legislative Caucus for their continued collaboration during this difficult period.
“The Forestry Development Authority remains steadfast in ensuring that Liberia’s natural heritage and the lives of its people are protected,” the statement concluded.
