This file Photo taken on Aug. 19, 2013 shows a hyena in the Ngorongoro Crater in Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), north Tanzania. (Photo: Xinhua)

 
Villagers in Tanzania's northern region of Shinyanga are spending sleepless nights as hyenas kill two children in three months, an official said on Thursday.

The villagers from Ntobo ward in Kahama district in Shinyanga region have appealed to the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) to control the hyenas and restore peace in the area, said David Mlyandili, councilor for Ntobo ward.

Mlyandili told a meeting of councilors for Msalala district council that the hyenas usually target children who play in groups at night.

"Two children have been killed and eaten by the hyenas in Ntobo ward between November 2021 and January 2022 and relevant authorities are not taking measures to control the wild animals," said the councilor.

Salehe Juma, Msalala district council wildlife officer, said his office was coordinating with TAWA to chase off the hyenas.

Juma warned residents in the area to stop allowing their children playing in groups at night when the hyenas become vicious.