By Hou Akot Hou
A hippopotamus has injured a 54-year-old man at Wak-Abil Village near Aweil Town, Northern Bahr El Gazal state.
Tong Deng Tong, a farmer, who cultivates tomatoes near the river where the hippo-potamus reside, attempted to drive away the animal which had come to graze in the garden.
Nyanut Deng Luil, a resident of Wak-abil said the old man attempted to chase away the hippo but instead it subdued the farmer.
According to Ms. Deng, two boys attempted to throw stones at the hippo when it attacked the old man, leaving him with serious wounds.
“The hippo attacked Tong and bit him on one arm and thigh and the boys threw stones hard on it till it went back to the river.” Said Nyanut.
She added that the old man is taken to Aweil Civil hospital where he is being treated.
A similar incident happened last year when a hippo killed a person at Nyamlel West County in Northern Bahr El Gazal state, till it was killed by the authorities.
The wildlife department warns local residents against killing such animals as their species may become extinct.