Macpherson C. Marbiah writes/0886442881-0777250370
Authorities at the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) have expressed deepest regret over the tragic incident that recently occurred in Gola Konneh District, Grand Cape Mount County where an elephant reported killed men.
The deceased individuals were reportedly attacked by marauding elephants.
FDA described the situation as “human-wildlife conflict or fight,” specifically concerning an elephant.
Liberia is home to diverse wildlife, including a significant population of forest elephants.
While that endanger spices are vital part of the country ecosystem, interactions between those regal creatures, and local communities, can sometimes lead to devastating outcomes.
At a news conference on Monday, November 10, 2025, in Paynesville, outside Monrovia, FDA Deputy Managing Director for Administration and Finance, Victor W. Kpaiseh, said the unfortunate incident between human and the wildlife resulted into the death Mr. Peter Gbekonah, a hunter and Mr. Prince Younger, a renounced health assistant.
The two deceased hailed from Varguaye Town, Grand Cape Mount County. They were reportedly killed by the animals on October 29, and November 1, 2025, respectively.
Kpaiseh said the “ill-fated situation” highlighted an urgent need for a comprehensive approach to mitigate such conflict between and wildlife.
He added: “Reports gathered confirmed that Mr. Gbekonah went on a hunting expedition, but did not return home, because an elephant had killed him.”
Gbekonah’s remains was later discovered after a thorough combined search led by FDA rangers, community dwellers, and Mr. Younger, then renowned health assistant, who was also part of the search team.
Younger tragically attacked by the elephant in the same forest.
Mr. Kpaiseh said their investigation as per the cause of such aggressive action by the elephants uncovered that FDA’s Rangers Patrol informed Management that an elephant had been killed in the same forest by some unidentified hunters in Gbanjue Town, Porkpa District.
He said the report furthered suggests that two pieces of ivories were removed, and the carcass abandoned.
“Apparently, the killing of one of those elephants, and an attempt on another, might have grown the aggression of the rest thereby leading to such tragic actions from the animals.”
Kpaiseh said the goal of the Authority is to conduct an immediate investigation that “will inform us for future actions.”
The investigation also uncovered other factors, which led to the human and wildlife conflict in that region. Industrial and artisanal gold mining, excessive hunting and trade for bush meat, and habitat loss through shifting cultivating might be some of the factors for elephant’s retaliation.
Kpaiseh assured the public that FDA remains dedicated to protect the forest resources, and the well-being of the people and communities.
“It is imperative that everyone come together as a nation to address the challenges bullied by human and wildlife conflict. We prioritize the safety of our citizens, while ensuring the protection of our wildlife heritage. This is not just a wildlife issue, but human that requires our immediate attention and action,” he said.
Meanwhile, FDA has deployed a team of rangers and wildlife technicians to calm the situation.
Macpherson C. Marbiah writes/0886442881-0777250370