A displaced hippopotamus has killed one person and caused panic among residents in Guyuk and Shelleng Local Government Areas of Adamawa State after straying into communities, farmlands, and along riverbanks.
The Chairman of Guyuk LGA, Mr. Shalom Kassa, confirmed the incident on Monday in Banjiram community, reporting that a young man lost his life in the attack.
He said the animals, displaced by flooding around the Kiri Dam in Shelleng, have been roaming populated areas, posing a serious threat to lives and livelihoods.
“These hippos are destroying crops, entering flooded homes, and endangering both people and livestock,” Kassa said.
He and Shelleng LGA Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Abba, along with traditional leaders, including the Kwandi Nunguraya of Guyuk, Kuruhaye, appealed to the state government for urgent intervention.
Kassa explained that recurring floods have driven the animals out of their natural habitat. However, residents are unable to act, as wildlife protection laws prohibit the killing or harming of hippopotamuses.
“We are calling on the Ministry of Environment, wildlife authorities, and relevant agencies to step in immediately,” he said.