In a tragic continuation of escalating human and wildlife conflicts, a wandering elephant from a government forest reserve has reportedly killed a farmer in the Imobi area of Ijebu East Local Government, Ogun State.
The Ogun State Commissioner for Forestry, Taiwo Oludotun, who confirmed the incident on Tuesday, said, “Yes, we are aware and already en route to the affected community.”
This fatal attack came barely hours after displaced hippopotamuses wreaked havoc in Guyuk and Shelleng Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Adamawa State, resulting in the death of a man.
On Monday, the Chairman of Guyuk LGA, Shalom Kassa, disclosed that a young man was killed by one of the hippos in the Banjiram community.
According to him, the hippopotamuses had been forced out of their natural habitat by flooding around the Kiri Dam in Shelleng, and are now encroaching upon farmlands, riverbanks, and residential areas, instilling widespread fear among locals.
“This is a grave threat to human lives and livelihoods. The animals are destroying farms, entering flooded homes, and putting both residents and livestock at risk,” Kassa warned.
In a proactive move, Kassa, along with Shelleng LGA Chairman Abubakar Abba and key traditional rulers — including the Kwandi Nunguraya of Guyuk, Kuruhaye — visited the state government in Yola to seek urgent intervention.
Kassa highlighted that residents are unable to defend themselves, citing stringent wildlife protection laws that prohibit harming or killing such animals.
“We call on the state Ministry of Environment, wildlife authorities, and all relevant agencies to intervene promptly before more lives are lost,” he pleaded.
He also extended condolences to families affected by recent flooding in Yola town, where five persons were confirmed dead and 55 hospitalised.
Responding to the delegation, Secretary to the State Government, Awwal Tukur, assured them of the government’s commitment to addressing the emergency.
Credit: NewsIndicator
Rising wildlife attacks in Nigeria highlight the urgent need for better rural safety and wildlife management, as habitat loss pushes animals into human settlements.