By Matik Kueth
At least two people have reportedly died after being attacked by bees in Loathgaatuol Forest in Riah Payam, Mayom County, Unity State, while three others are receiving treatment after being stung, local authorities said.
The victims were among seven people travelling to Balieth River to clear weeds from their farms when the bees attacked them as they rested under a tree in the forest.
Speaking to King Media on Friday, Gahgah Thiey, Riah Payam’s Chief, said the group was resting when the bees suddenly began attacking them.
“The incident happened when these people went to Balieth Forest. Because they were tired from walking, they decided to rest under a tree. Some men who were travelling with them were carrying guns, and the bees detected the smell of petrol from the guns and started attacking them, forcing the group to scatter into the forest,” Thiey said.
He noted that the victims ran in different directions in an attempt to escape the bees but were severely stung.
“While running for their lives, they went in different directions and were badly bitten by the bees. Two of them eventually succumbed to the bee stings. It took two days before their bodies were found, and they were only recovered yesterday,” he added.
Thiey stated that three other people who survived the attack are receiving treatment at Riah Primary Health Care Centre.
“Those who survived are now receiving medication at the hospital. It was a very terrible incident, and there was little we could do after the bees started attacking,” he said.
Bees have a highly developed sense of smell and can respond to chemical signals and strong odors in their surroundings.
When a colony is disturbed or detects a threatening smell, bees can release alarm pheromones that alert others and trigger defensive attacks.
Resident, Lony Madut, also confirmed the incident, saying the smell of fuel or other strong substances can be noticed by bees, and can primarily respond to chemical odors and alarm pheromones rather than specifically “smelling guns.”
“It is common for bees to attack when they detect strong smells, including petrol from guns. Once they become disturbed, they can become very aggressive and attack people nearby,” he stated.