Tragic Hyena Attacks Spur Urgent Calls for Child Protection Policies in Rural Tanzania.

By Adonis Byemelwa

Shinyanga: In a gut-wrenching twist of fate, tragedy struck in the dead of night as five-year-old Shamimu Tumaini Jumaissa, of Ibanza village in the Mwamala Ward of Shinyanga District, became prey to a savage hyena attack. The harrowing incident, unfolding on 8^th April 2024 at the stroke of midnight, has plunged the community into a vortex of disbelief, anguish, and sorrow.

According to Ibanza village Chairman, Mr. Hassan Issa Barabara, the chilling attack occurred when Shamimu and her companion ventured out to gather firewood. Amidst the darkness, a hyena emerged and viciously attacked Shamimu, dragging her into the nearby bushes. Despite efforts from villagers to track the blood trail, Shamimu was found lifeless, bearing severe injuries to her face and head.

The circumstances surrounding the attack have stirred fear and speculation within the community, with some attributing the tragedy to more than just a mere predator-prey encounter. In Shinyanga, where superstitions and beliefs in witchcraft are deeply rooted, such incidents often invite speculation about mystical forces at play.

Chairman Hassan recounted the harrowing account of the attack, where Shamimu's nine-year-old companion narrowly escaped the hyena's clutches. A neighboring mother's timely intervention, upon hearing Shamimu's cries, prevented further tragedy. However, the absence of many men, who were away on Sungusungu duties, delayed the rescue efforts.

Felista Elias, a witness to the incident, echoed the sentiment of a community grappling with shock and helplessness. She described the heart-wrenching moment when she saw the hyena dragging Shamimu away, with limited help available due to the absence of men occupied with Sungusungu duties.

In response to the tragedy, Ibanza Village Executive Officer, Ms. Tausi Kabadi, affirmed that the village government promptly reported the incident to the authorities. Efforts to address the issue include liaising with law enforcement, wildlife, and conservation officers, as well as mobilizing Sungusungu to track down the elusive hyena.

In light of the tragic loss of Shamimu from Ibanza village and the unsettling circumstances surrounding her death, there emerges a pressing need for robust child protection policies in villages susceptible to encounters with marauding animals. Particularly during this rainy season, when adverse weather conditions compel wild animals to seek refuge in residential areas, the vulnerability of rural communities like Ibanza is heightened.

It is imperative for local authorities, in collaboration with wildlife conservation agencies and community leaders, to devise comprehensive strategies aimed at mitigating the risks posed by human-wildlife conflicts. Such measures should encompass not only immediate responses to animal attacks but also proactive initiatives to prevent future tragedies.

In addressing these challenges, emphasis must be placed on education and awareness campaigns to dispel superstitions and misconceptions that may exacerbate the risks faced by children and vulnerable members of the community. By fostering a deeper understanding of wildlife behavior and promoting responsible coexistence with natural habitats, villages can better safeguard their residents against potential dangers.

Moreover, the implementation of child protection policies should prioritize the establishment of safe zones and designated play areas, coupled with stringent measures to monitor and manage wildlife movement in residential vicinity. This holistic approach, grounded in community engagement and evidence-based interventions, is essential for fostering a culture of safety and resilience in villages grappling with the complex dynamics of human-wildlife interactions.

As Ibanza Village and the entire Shinyanga Region mourn the loss of Shamimu and reflect on the broader implications of her tragic passing, let us heed the call for collective action to uphold the rights and well-being of children in rural areas. By advocating for stronger child protection policies and investing in initiatives that promote coexistence with wildlife, we can honor Shamimu's memory and strive towards a future where every child can thrive in safety and security.

Similarly, in October 2021, residents of Kitangiri Ward in Shinyanga Municipality pleaded with leaders at all levels to take immediate action to address incidents of hyenas attacking and killing children. They made this plea during the morning of the death of two years and ten months old Albert Shija, who was killed by a hyena on Saturday, October 16, 2021, in the Imalilo area of Kitangili Ward, Shinyanga Municipality. The residents stated that incidents of children being killed by hyenas have escalated, causing fear and panic among the residents. These incidents have also been associated with superstitions and negligence of the relevant authorities in controlling the spread of hyenas in the streets.

The death of Albert Shija occurred just a few days after another child, Raphael Juma Dotto, aged three, died after being attacked by a hyena while playing near his neighbor's house with other children in the Majengo Mapya area of Kitangili Ward, Shinyanga Municipality, on Saturday, September 25, 2021.