Residents of Kinigi Sector in Musanze District were surprised to find two buffaloes grazing in their farms after escaping from Volcanoes National Park.
Efforts to return the animals to the park were unsuccessful, leaving authorities with no choice but to shoot and kill them to prevent further damage or potential harm to people.
The manager of Volcanoes National Park, Prosper Uwingeri, confirmed the incident, stating that the buffaloes had strayed too far from the park, making it nearly impossible to return them to their habitat.
He told local press: “Yes, they were killed in Kinigi Sector, but no lives were lost. The buffaloes had wandered deep into populated areas, and returning them was very challenging, which led to the decision to put them down.”
Uwingeri reassured residents that the situation is under control and urged them to alert authorities whenever such incidents occur to ensure their safety and that of the animals.
Similar incidents have been reported in the past, particularly in Akagera National Park, where the park’s terrain occasionally allows animals to wander into nearby farms. In some cases, these encounters have tragically resulted in human casualties.
