One person died, following an incident where bees attacked members of the Roman Catholic Church at Nana Senkyire Sawmill near Owuoso, a suburb of Asante Agona in the Ashanti Region.

There was a report that Reverend Father, Seth Frimpong and his congregation were conducting the Good Friday Easter Mass when a swarm of bees invaded the church, targeting the worshippers.

It stated that church members endured multiple bee stings, causing the church service to come to a halt as members scattered to protect themselves, resulting in numerous injuries.

Akwasi Tawiah, the Assembly Member of Owuoso Electoral Area, revealed that even non-congregants were affected and required hospitalisation. Despite the church's location in a bush, the exact cause of the bee attack was not immediately known.

Possible reasons bees may attack you

Studying entomology under the tutelage of Dr Henry Ofosuhene Sintim, an entomologist, at Sunyani Technical University has afforded us profound knowledge encompassing the anatomy, physiology, behaviour, ecology, taxonomy, and evolution of insects.

This underscores the profound impact of science on our everyday experiences, revealing its inherent beauty in understanding the natural world.

Now, bees do not attack people unless they sense a threat. This means that they only resort to aggression when provoked. This is a scientific principle, which is mirrored in religious texts, as essential knowledge for all.

In my hometown of Bawku, there's a sizable baobab tree situated behind one of our family homes, serving as a habitat for bees. We frequently gathered beneath the tree, where the bees generally remained unbothered unless we disturbed them, particularly when harvesting baobab fruits during our childhood.

At times, our attempts to dislodge targeted fruits with stones or sticks inadvertently led them to land near or on the hive, triggering the bees' defensive response. Even slight noise from us could agitate them, prompting us to quickly seek refuge indoors or lay low, sometimes holding our breath. This cautious approach helped mitigate any potential danger to ourselves and others.

What could also cause the bees to attack people are sudden movements, loud noises, and strong smells, like those of perfume worn by people. This situation worsens when you swat at the bees.

Why do bees consider these actions threatening?

Sudden movements, loud noises, and strong smells signal potential danger, prompting bees to prepare for attack to protect themselves and their colony.

In the wild, such actions are uncommon and associated with predators, triggering defensive responses.

Bees communicate using pheromones and vibrations, and loud noises and strong smells can disrupt these signals, causing confusion and heightened alertness within the colony.

Bees prioritize the safety of their hive and queen above all else because of their vital roles in colony survival and reproduction. The queen lays eggs, ensuring reproductive success and future generations, while maintaining order and cohesion within the hive.

What really happened that the church members were attacked?

The attack was purely scientific, devoid of any spiritual attributions. It's crucial to understand that the behavior of bees is rooted in science, particularly in entomology.

At around 10am on March 29, 2024, approximately 200 church members had completed their church service and commenced the "Station of the Cross," a Catholic ritual involving 14 stations, towards the town of Agona.

Upon reaching the tenth station, located about 50 meters from the church near the sawmill, the congregation paused for the ceremony. According to church member Lawrence Yeboah, the father conducting the service remained inside the sawmill, but they heard a warning not to return.

"He said not to return," Lawrence Yeboah explained, noting that the father remained behind them as they proceeded, with the congregation in front.

According to Lawrence, two children inadvertently disturbed the bees as the church members arrived, coinciding with the possible scent of perfume worn by members and the singing of praise songs.

Lawrence recounted that one woman, who was near Father Frimpong, attempted to assist him in swatting away the bees. However, the bees subsequently turned their aggression towards her. As she tried to flee, she fell, and the swarm of bees mercilessly attacked her. The panicked church members scattered in all directions to save themselves, potentially further provoking the bees.

Lawrence explained, "Those who witnessed the incident rushed to aid the woman with insecticides and transported her to the hospital."

He further added that this chaotic turn of events led to the unfortunate passing of 78-year-old Theresah Osei, whom Lawrence identified as his cousin.

"She was admitted, but she continued to vomit, and her blood pressure was around 209," he recounted, mentioning that he removed numerous stingers from Theresah’s body.

Theresah's face became swollen, and she was unable to eat or take medication due to the persistent vomiting.

Lawrence recounted, "her urine changed color, which was unusual, and she was constantly trying to communicate."

Theresah passed away at Agona Government Hospital after approximately 26 hours of treatment, while five other church members who were admitted were discharged shortly after.

Lawrence expressed shock over the incident but believes she died as a true believer. "What comforts me is that she passed away as we celebrate the death of Christ," he remarked.

Father Frimpong, who was the initial target of the bee attack, also sought medical attention and has since recovered fully. According to Larence, he is currently in good health.

During a bee attack:

Avoid running or making aggressive movements, as this can provoke more bees. Do not swat or crush bees, as it can aggravate them further.

Cover your face and head with hands or clothing. If bees get into your clothing, calmly remove it to avoid provoking them further.

Remove any stingers quickly and avoid pinching or squeezing them. Remaining calm and avoiding sudden movements is crucial during a bee encounter to minimize the risk of further provocation and stings.