Robert Ngong, a woodcutter, has survived a chimpanzee attack in Esu, a village in Menchum, the English-speaking North West region of Cameroon.
Ngong was felling a tree, an activity he routinely carries out in the area, when the incident occurred around 2 p.m. on Thursday, November 16th. Suddenly, a chimpanzee attacked him, causing severe injuries on both his hands and face. Now, Ngong has injuries on his forehead, mouth, and temple, which have caused significant disfigurement.
The dedicated healthcare professionals at the Esu Health District administered prompt medical attention. They provided initial treatment before deciding to refer Ngong to a specialized hospital for further care, according to Cameroon Infotrend.
Esu has witnessed such harrowing incidents before. In 2022, a similar chimpanzee attack occurred, leaving a man known only as Laggi completely deformed, but he survived. Tragically, in 2021, a chimpanzee inflicted injuries on another resident named Ntong Eja, resulting in severed fingers and legs, a torn face, and ripped-off toes.
Chimpanzee attacks in the region have prompted concerns about the safety of the villagers. Local authorities are implementing measures to mitigate such incidents, including raising awareness about coexisting with the wildlife that shares the region.
The community rallies around Ngong as he embarks on his journey to recovery, offering support and solidarity. He survived, which shows how resilient individuals can be when they face unexpected challenges. This incident also reminds us of the importance of wildlife conservation efforts in order to ensure the safety of both humans and animals in these shared environments.
