Wild boar attacks farmer near Nyungwe National Park

By The Inspirer.

Vincent Musabyimana, 54, a resident of Karongi District, is undergoing treatment at Mugonero Hospital after being attacked and severely injured by a wild boar while cutting grass for his cattle near Nyungwe National Park.

The incident occurred on the morning of September 28, 2025, in Gisovu Cell, Twumba Sector.

Musabyimana, a father of ten, had stayed home while his family went to church. He decided to gather grass for his cows near the park’s boundary. Upon arrival, he noticed a large animal lying still. Recognizing it as a wild boar, which he was familiar with, he assumed it was dead and struck it with his stick.

Suddenly, the animal sprang up, charged at him, and gored him with its tusks before trampling him. He lost consciousness and later woke up to find the boar gone but with serious injuries to his hands, arms, legs, and face. Musabyimana reported the incident to local authorities, who helped him reach Gisovu Health Center before he was transferred to Mugonero Hospital.

Karongi District Mayor, Gérard Muzungu, confirmed the incident and said officials are closely following up on the farmer’s condition.

“Normally, wild boars do not leave the park to attack people. It is often residents who provoke or hunt them illegally. The victim says he was attacked inside a restricted buffer zone, which is off-limits. We will investigate his claims — if he was indeed attacked without fault, he may receive compensation. But if he entered a prohibited area or provoked the animal, he will face legal consequences after recovery,” Mayor Muzungu said.

He called on residents living near Nyungwe National Park to coexist peacefully with wildlife and respect conservation laws, emphasizing that they understand the park’s value and the benefits it provides to their communities.

SOURCE: IGIHE.