Citizens Demand FDA’s Action as Elephants Displaced Three Villages in Gbarpolu

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By: Henry B. Gboluma, Jr. |Gbarpolu Correspondent

‎Bopolu City, Gbarpolu County |March 12, 2026| Residents of Bopolu District in Gbarpolu County are calling on the government to intervene in the escalating human-wildlife conflict, as elephants continue to ravage their farms, crops, and even claim human lives.

‎The situation has become so dire that three villages have been displaced, with citizens living in fear of the protected animals.

‎In an exclusive interview with some residents of the affected villages, Beyan Ballah said that the elephants have been destroying farms, eating crops, and even killed one person who venture into the forest.

‎The recent incident claimed the life of Mr. Sambola Kamara, a trapper who was checking his traps in the forest.

‎One of the Community members Loun Armah said that they are confused, especially since the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) has been slow to respond to their pleas for help.

‎”We are frustrated,” said Loun Armah. “The elephant is destroying our farms and has even killed a resident; but to date the situation, instead of being addressed by the FDA and other stakeholders, nothing tangibly has happened. Right now, there is nothing much we do. We cannot protect ourselves because the law will punish us.”

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‎This sentiment is echoed by many in the Bopolu District, who feel that the FDA is more concerned with protecting the elephants than the people. The FDA has announced community training programs to help mitigate the issue, but residents say “It is not enough”.

‎Affected Communities and the Civil Society Organization (CSO) of Gbarpolu are angry with Regional Forester Kollie Bonner for blaming the situation on the community people instead of his organization; the FDA and national government.

‎In a Facebook post recently, FDA Regional Forester said, “Our people in the western region, especially Gbarpolu County are the cause of elephants becoming very aggressive on them today. They are giving me and my staff a hard time with the hunting activities.”

‎He said that when they cause their problems, they will start putting pressure on us for the government, through the FDA to take responsibility and settle liabilities.

“Elephants, like any other animals tend to be very aggressive as soon as you start to hunt them,” he said.

‎Meanwhile, Residents of Bopolu District are outraged with Regional Forester Kollie Bonner for squarely blaming them for the elephant invasion, when in fact the obvious fact is that the elephants have gotten unhinged, leading to death of one Sambola Kamara on March 2, 2026; when he had gone to check on his traps.

‎”We are angry,” said Lydia Ballah. “The FDA is more concerned with protecting elephants than people.” The community is demanding government intervention and warning of legal action if ignored. “We will sue if they don’t act,” said Madam Lydia Ballah, CSO head.

‎Bonner’s statement attributing the crisis to hunting is seen as shifting blame.

‎Citizens say it is the FDA’s duty to protect them, not just elephants. The situation highlights the need for balanced conservation efforts.

‎The situation also showcases the growing tension between wildlife conservation and rural livelihoods in Liberia’s forest zones.