Villagers in Wakabil and Gueng Kuo areas in Aweil East State are living in fear because of hippopotamuses that are allegedly terrorizing people in the two areas.
The villagers have avoided going to the river and swampy areas frequently for fear of being attacked by the beast.
Maria Ayak Adim, a local resident of Gueng Kou village in Yargot County, told Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday that young children who look after cattle face risks of being attacked by the wild animals.
"This year is too much because you can see on the bank of the river bank and our children have been reporting that they were being chased by hippos found hiding in tall grass,” said Ayak.
She further said the hippos have seriously destroyed their crops in the area. The local resident called on the government to immediately chase away the wild animals before a disaster happens.
Ustaz Lino Gai Akok, a resident of Wakabil area, said in a Facebook post that more than 100 hippopotamuses in the river are threatening their lives.
He pointed out that the issue has been repeatedly reported to the department of wildlife service in Aweil East state but no positive response so far.
In 2013, a man was killed by a hippo at Dhiak village in Makuac Kier payam in Aweil East state.
Wildlife officials could not immediately be reached for comment.