Rutsiro: Two sheep eaten by an unknown wild animal

By The Inspirer.

Two sheep were devoured by a suspected “Imbaka,” a wild animal, after their owner had tied them on a hillside near Gishwati-Mukura National Park.

The incident happened to Nyirambonabucya Valentine, a resident of Gako Village, Mwendo Cell, Mukura Sector, in Rutsiro District.

The sheep, tied on a hillside, were allegedly attacked by an animal the residents suspect to be the “Imbaka,” which resides in Gishwati-Mukura National Park. The community mentioned that similar incidents have occurred before, where other livestock were attacked, and animal footprints were visible at the scene.

Nyirambonabucya Valentine told Imvaho Nshya that she had tied her livestock—a goat, two adult sheep, and a two-month-old lamb—in her forest, a short distance from her home, on October 13, 2024. Due to afternoon rainfall, she moved them closer to a nearby location.

“I had gone to collect grass for my cows and returned home. At around 5:30 p.m., when I went to bring back the animals, I saw the little lamb running towards me in a panic. It clung to my legs, which confused me. I thought maybe thieves had tried to steal the animals, and the lamb had escaped. I carried it and went to where I had tied the animals,” she said.

She added: “When I arrived, I only found the goat; the sheep were missing. I called neighbors to help me search, but by the time night fell, we still couldn’t find them. The next morning, a neighbor told me he had seen the sheep, already killed by an unknown predator in someone’s field. I gathered others, and we went to check—it was clear a wild animal had attacked them.”

One sheep had its intestines entirely removed and eaten, while the other had injuries in its chest caused by the predator’s claws.

Nyirambonabucya noted that the animal’s footprints were visible in the field. Residents familiar with such incidents suggested it was the “Imbaka” since it is known to attack livestock.

Another resident had recently lost a goat to a similar animal that ate all of it. They suspect the animal comes from Mukura forest, preying on livestock in the neighboring areas.

She explained that she had bought the sheep to support her family’s livelihood, hoping to sell their offspring to pay for health insurance and other needs. She appealed for compensation, stating the loss was significant.

“I have suffered a major loss. The two sheep could have been worth Rwf 110,000, but I refused that amount because I knew they were worth more. I ask for compensation if it’s confirmed that the animal came from the forest so I can continue supporting my family and improving our livelihood,” she pleaded.

The incident taught her a lesson: never again would she tie her livestock in an open field. She now plans to build a strong shelter for her animals and feed them in a secure space, using materials she already has, to prevent such losses in the future.

Rutsiro District’s Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Development, Emmanuel Uwizeyimana, confirmed that they are aware of the incident and have begun investigations to determine whether the predator came from Gishwati-Mukura National Park. If proven, a report will be prepared to facilitate compensation.

“We are following up to see what really happened. If authorities confirm the predator came from Gishwati-Mukura Park, we will prepare a report for compensation. However, if it is found that stray dogs attacked the animals—which also happens—other measures will be considered, but compensation won’t apply in that case,” he explained.

He urged residents to protect their livestock by building strong shelters and avoiding tying animals in open fields, as unidentified wild animals can prey on them, causing significant losses like this incident.

The remaining meat from the sheep was ordered to be buried to prevent anyone from eating it and risking diseases.

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