One person has been killed following an invasion of displaced hippopotamuses in the Guyuk and Shelleng Local Government Areas of Adamawa State.
Mr. Shalom Kassa, the Chairman of Guyuk Local Government, reported on Monday from the Banjiram community that a young man was tragically killed by one of the animals during an attack.
Kassa explained that the hippopotamuses, dislodged from their natural habitat by flooding around the Kiri Dam in Shelleng, have now moved into communities, farmlands, and riverbanks, instilling fear among residents.
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He described the situation as “a serious threat to human lives and means of livelihoods; the animals are destroying farmlands, invading flooded homes, and endangering residents and livestock.”
In response to the crisis, Kassa, accompanied by the Chairman of Shelleng Local Government, Alhaji Abubakar Abba, and traditional rulers including Kwandi Nunguraya of Guyuk, Kuruhaye, visited the state government in Yola to seek assistance.
Kassa reiterated that persistent flooding across several parts of the state, particularly in Guyuk and Shelleng, has forced these animals into populated areas.
He also noted that residents are unable to defend themselves due to existing laws that prohibit the killing or harming of wildlife, including hippopotamuses.
“We are appealing to the state Ministry of Environment, wildlife officials, and relevant agencies to urgently intervene before more lives are lost,” he urged.
Kassa also extended his condolences to the victims of recent flooding in Yola town, which reportedly claimed five lives and led to the hospitalization of 55 others.
The Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Awwal Tukur, received the delegation and assured them that the government would address the situation.
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