Residents of Varguay Town in Gola Konneh District say they are living in fear following reports that wild elephants have killed two people in the area.
According to local resident Willie Gapi, the animals have been invading the town for the past two years, destroying crops and terrifying villagers. Despite numerous complaints to local authorities, he said, no concrete action has been taken to address the situation.
The conflict between humans and wildlife reportedly turned deadly last week when a local farmer went missing for three days. His body was later discovered with elephant tracks nearby. As residents were returning from the search, the elephants attacked again, killing another villager on the spot.
Community members are now appealing to the government and conservation authorities to intervene before more lives are lost.
Meanwhile, the Liberian Senate has directed its Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to investigate and take charge of the situation. Lawmakers say the elephant invasions have become a growing concern in several communities across the Western Region, particularly in Grand Cape Mount and Gbarpolu counties.
Residents are hoping the government’s response will bring relief to affected communities that continue to live in fear of further attacks.
