The city of Nzérékoré is once again plunged into consternation after a murder of rare violence. Kokoulo Béavogui, a second-year student at the Nzérékoré School of Community Health, was coldly gunned down on the night of Wednesday, January 14, to Thursday, January 15, 2026, by unidentified armed individuals.

A brutal attack on the Mohomou-Gonia bridge

According to information gathered from his paternal uncle, Kezely Béavogui, an official at the Nzérékoré Prefectural Directorate of Education (DPE), the young man was riddled with bullets while riding his motorcycle on the bridge connecting the Mohomou and Gonia neighborhoods, passing by the Humo school. "It was during the night that he was attacked by armed bandits. They shot him at point-blank range and fled with the motorcycle," testified his uncle, visibly distraught.

The assailants then reportedly threw the victim's body into the river before disappearing with the motorcycle. So far, no trace of the criminals has been found.

A young, ambitious student

In his thirties, young Kokoulo had settled in Nzérékoré to pursue his studies in community health. He dreamed of serving his community through healthcare. His body, recovered and taken to the morgue, has not yet been returned to his family due to ongoing administrative procedures. "We hope the body will be returned to us so we can proceed with his burial," his uncle said.

Growing insecurity in the forest capital

This murder adds to a series of violent acts that have plagued Nzérékoré for several months. The population denounces rampant insecurity and the impunity enjoyed by the perpetrators. "Citizens should not have to defend themselves. It is the authorities' responsibility to ensure our safety. For some time now, assassinations have been multiplying, but we see no concrete solutions," lamented Mr. Béavogui.

He recalls that other recent crimes have also marked the region, notably the assassination of the director of studies at Amaran Noké College, killed not far from his home.

Despite the presence of patrol vehicles in the city, residents feel the measures remain insufficient. "The population is worried. It's very heartbreaking," he added.

Appeal to the authorities

Faced with this alarming situation, several citizens are calling for an urgent response from local authorities, security forces and neighborhood leaders to stop this wave of violence that regularly brings grief to Nzérékoré.

While waiting for justice to be done, the tragic death of Kokoulo Béavogui sadly adds to the list of victims of insecurity which has become, for many, a daily threat in the capital of Forest Guinea.