Yambio infant attacked by baboon needs specialized surgery

A three-month-old baby girl who was attacked by a baboon, which severely damaged her nose, in the Western Equatoria State capital, Yambio, is in stable condition but in need of specialized reconstructive surgery, health officials said.

Dr. Kinawo Richard, a health worker at the Western Equatoria State Ministry of Health, said the baby was brought to Yambio State Hospital on Thursday morning, prompting medical staff to mobilise emergency treatment.

“The attack severely damaged the infant’s nasal tissue, leaving only small openings through which she could breathe,” he said.

Despite the severity of the injuries, Dr. Richard said the child remained stable after treatment.

“However, she requires specialized surgery to reconstruct her nose and repair the damaged tissue, a procedure that cannot be performed at the hospital because the necessary expertise and facilities are unavailable,” he said.

The doctor explained that medical staff had inserted a nasogastric tube to help feed the infant breast milk as she continues receiving treatment.

A family member, whose identity is being withheld to protect her privacy, said she was sweeping the compound when a neighbor alerted her that the animal had disappeared.

She said she went inside and found that the baby’s face had been severely injured.

The family member said the animal belonged to her husband’s grandfather and had reportedly left its feeding area before entering the house and attacking the child.

The exact circumstances of the incident remain unclear.

Meanwhile, Joseph Dau Deng, Director of wildlife in the state, said his office had received a report about the incident and urged residents to stop keeping dangerous wild animals in towns and residential areas.

“The person who brought the baboon and tied it at home is at fault. Wild animals cannot be domesticated and must be left to live in the bush,” he said. “You cannot bring a wild animal home where there are children and people. It is illegal, and we will legally deal with such people.”

He warned that such animals pose a risk to children, women and other members of the community.

Western Equatoria State Police Commissioner Brigadier Justin Waiwai condemned the incident, saying wild animals should not be kept in residential areas where they could endanger people.

He said the owner of the baboon will be held accountable under the law.

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