At least one person has been killed and several others threatened following the invasion of displaced hippopotamuses in the Guyuk and Shelleng local government areas of Adamawa State, local authorities have confirmed.
Mr. Shalom Kassa, chairman of Guyuk Local Government, revealed on Monday in Banjiram community that a young man was killed by one of the animals during the recent attack.
According to Kassa, the hippopotamuses were displaced by flooding around the Kiri Dam in Shelleng and have now invaded communities, farmlands, and riverbanks, causing widespread fear among residents.
"This is a serious threat to human lives and means of livelihoods; the animals are destroying farmlands, invading flooded homes, and endangering residents and livestock," he stated.
Government Intervention Sought
In response to the crisis, Kassa, alongside the Chairman of Shelleng Local Government, Alhaji Abubakar Abba, and traditional rulers including Kwandi Nunguraya of Guyuk and Kuruhaye, visited the seat of government in Yola to seek urgent intervention.
Kassa explained that persistent flooding across several parts of the state, particularly in Guyuk and Shelleng, had forced the animals out of their natural habitat and into populated areas. He emphasized that residents were unable to defend themselves as existing laws 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.
The Guyuk chairman also extended his condolences to victims of recent flooding in Yola town, where five persons reportedly died and 55 others were hospitalized.
Mr. Awwal Tukur, Secretary to the Adamawa Government, who received the delegation, assured them that the government would address the situation promptly.
Broader Flooding Impact
This incident highlights the broader environmental challenges facing Adamawa State, as flooding continues to displace both wildlife and humans across the region. The situation underscores the complex relationship between environmental disasters, wildlife conservation, and human safety.
Wildlife experts note that hippopotamuses can be extremely dangerous when threatened or displaced from their natural habitats, as they are territorial animals that can become aggressive when stressed.
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