AYV News, April 10, 2026
Authorities at Mile 91 in Sierra Leone have debunked reports circulating on social media suggesting that a girl child was attacked and killed by a chimpanzee,confirming that no human casualties were recorded.
Earlier reports have it that in Mile 91 Township on Saturday, April 4, 2026, a baboon attack a young girl New Site area and the victim was believed to have died from injuries sustained.
The killing of the female chimpanzee has prompted concern from conservation authorities, with the National Protected Area Authority warning of increasing human-wildlife conflict across the country.
According to police reports, the incident occurred at approximately 10:00pm after residents alerted authorities that the animal had entered the community and was perceived as a threat. Police officers responded to the scene but arrived to find tensions already heightened. Despite attempts to de-escalate the situation, the chimpanzee was killed by locals.
Executive Director of the NPAA, Sheikh Ahmed Tunis, visited the Mile 91 Police Division to gather firsthandinformation. He attributed the growing frequency of such encounters to the steady encroachment of human settlements into wildlife habitats, which is increasingly forcing animals into populated areas.
Mr. Tunis emphasized that chimpanzees are not only a protected species but also Sierra Leone’s national animal, stressing the need for stronger conservation measures and public awareness to prevent similar incidents. He also called for improved coordination among security forces, local authorities, and wildlife agencies to ensure more professional handling of such situations in the future.
While commending the police for swiftly addressing misinformation surrounding the incident, he assured that the NPAA will intensify collaboration with relevant stakeholders to strengthen wildlife protection and response mechanisms.
The remains of the chimpanzee have since been handed over to the local Paramount Chief, as discussions continue on how best to address the growing challenge of human-wildlife interaction in affected communities.
