A tragic incident has occurred in Adamawa State, Nigeria, where displaced hippopotamuses have invaded communities in the Guyuk and Shelleng Local Government Areas, resulting in the death of one person. The chairman of Guyuk Local Government, Mr. Shalom Kassa, confirmed that a young man was killed by one of the animals during the attack ¹.
Cause of the Attack
The hippopotamuses were displaced due to persistent flooding around the Kiri Dam in Shelleng, which forced them out of their natural habitat and into populated areas. The flooding has been affecting several parts of the state, causing widespread destruction and displacement ².
Impact on Communities
The invasion of the hippopotamuses has caused fear among residents, who are unable to defend themselves due to existing laws that prohibit harming or killing wildlife. The animals are reportedly destroying farmlands, invading flooded homes, and endangering residents and livestock ¹.
Government Response
The Guyuk Local Government chairman, along with the chairman of Shelleng Local Government and traditional rulers, has visited the state capital, Yola, to seek help from the government. The Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Awwal Tukur, has assured the delegation that the government will address the situation ³.
Appeal for Intervention
The local government officials are appealing to the state Ministry of Environment, wildlife officials, and relevant agencies to urgently intervene and prevent further loss of life. They are also seeking assistance to mitigate the impact of the flooding and the invasion of the hippopotamuses on the communities ⁴.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the need for prompt action to address the safety concerns of the affected communities. The government and relevant agencies must work together to find a solution to the problem and prevent further attacks ⁵.
