Elephant Killed, Sold & Eaten in Western Liberia

By Ernest Kpehe Moibah | Bomi County Correspondent

Sando Village, Gbarpolu County-Shock and anger have swept through Gbarpolu after an African forest elephant, a globally recognized endangered species, was hunted, killed and consumed in Sando Village.

The disclosure was made to Rural Reporter News Network by Kollie Bonner, Regional Forester for Region 1 of the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) in Bomi County. The Regional Forester said eight suspects have already been arrested by the Authority.

“This is not just a wildlife crime; it is an assault on our national heritage. These animals are protected by law, and anyone who hunts or trades them must face justice,” Bonner said.

Bonner confirmed that FDA officers arrested the suspects, who are now detained at the Tubmanburg Police Station, where they are being charged with illegal killing and possession of protected wildlife.

“During our preliminary investigation, the suspects denied involvement. However, one admitted seeing the elephant on his farm. But after engaging local leaders and residents, evidence points to the group as the hunters who killed the animal,” he revealed.

Those Arrested, according to Bonner are: Sunny Wennie, Junior Kolleh, Francis Boimah, Lasana Sesay, Musa Kamara, Sando Kollie, Massa Dukuly and Alfred B. Massaquoi.

“All eight suspects were directly linked by community testimonies and FDA field intelligence. They hunted the elephant, butchered it, and entered the illegal trade of its meat,” Bonner disclosed.

Bonner further alleged that Gbarpolu County Senator, Botoe Kanneh, was among those who purchased elephant meat from the suspects.

“We traced buyers through community leads, and the senator’s name surfaced among those who bought the meat. This demands a broader investigation,” Bonner claimed.

When contacted, Senator Kanneh declined to respond to RRNN’s inquiry of her involvement, saying “I am currently in a meeting and cannot speak to the allegations”.

All suspects are expected to be transferred to the Bopolu City Court, Bonner confirmed, adding that the case will be heard at the Bopolu City Court.

“All eight suspects remain in custody and will soon be forwarded to the Bopolu City Court for prosecution,” he stated.

Chapter 9, Section 9.12 (b)(I) and (d)(I) of the National Forest Reform Law of 2006 explicitly forbids the killing, hunting, trading, or possession of protected species. Additionally: “Chapter 9, Section 9.12 b(I) and d(I) of the National Forest Reform Law of 2006 of Liberia forbid the killing, hunting, trading, or being in possession of protected species.