One person has been confirmed dead and several others endangered following the invasion of hippopotamuses into communities in Guyuk and Shelleng Local Government Areas of Adamawa State, local authorities said on Monday.
Mr. Shalom Kassa, Chairman of Guyuk Local Government Area, disclosed in Banjiram that a young man was killed by one of the animals after a group of displaced hippopotamuses strayed into residential and farming areas.
According to Kassa, the animals were forced out of their natural habitat around the Kiri Dam in Shelleng due to persistent flooding and are now roaming freely around riverbanks, farmlands, and flooded homes, posing significant threats to lives and property.
“This is a serious threat to human lives and means of livelihood. The animals are destroying farmlands, invading homes, and endangering both residents and livestock,” Kassa said.
In response to the growing concern, Kassa, along with the Chairman of Shelleng Local Government, Alhaji Abubakar Abba, and traditional leaders including the Kwandi Nunguraya of Guyuk, Kuruhaye, paid a visit to the Adamawa State Government in Yola to seek urgent intervention.
Kassa emphasized that local residents are powerless to act against the animals due to existing wildlife protection laws, which prohibit the killing or harming of hippopotamuses.
“We are appealing to the State Ministry of Environment, wildlife officials, and other relevant agencies to intervene promptly before more lives are lost,” he added.
He also extended condolences to victims of recent flooding in Yola, where five people were reportedly killed and 55 others hospitalized.
Responding to the delegation, Mr. Awwal Tukur, Secretary to the State Government, assured them that the Adamawa State Government is aware of the situation and will take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of residents and manage the displaced wildlife.
