The Ogun State Government has issued a stern warning to residents against movement around conservation areas following a fatal elephant attack that claimed the life of a 49-year-old man in Itasin community, Ijebu East Local Government Area.
The victim, identified as Musa Yahaya Kalamu, was reportedly killed while attempting to move illegal logs in a designated conservation zone. His son, who was with him during the incident, narrowly escaped the attack.
Oludotun Taiwo, the Ogun State Commissioner for Forestry, while addressing journalists, extended condolences to the bereaved family and called for calm among residents of the affected community.
"It's a very sad incident. The place in question is a designated conservation area meant strictly for wildlife, especially elephants," Taiwo stated. "Unfortunately, some people still go in there for illegal activities like logging. The man that died was reportedly trying to move illegal logs when the elephant attacked him."
The commissioner emphasized that the area where the incident occurred is a conservation zone spanning over 6,000 hectares and not farmland or a residential area. He revealed that despite numerous warnings, sensitization campaigns, and even demolition of illegal settlements, people continue to encroach on the protected habitat.
"We've done a lot of sensitisation in that area. We've erected signboards, built barriers, and even demolished illegal settlements, but people keep going back. These elephants are not aggressive by nature. They only fight back when provoked. That's why we keep educating the public not to confront them," he explained.
The incident has reportedly triggered outrage in the Itasin community, where human-wildlife conflicts have occurred several times in the past. According to reports, when government officials visited the community following the attack, they were met with hostility from residents.
Despite the initial hostile reception, Commissioner Taiwo promised to return to the community to offer condolences to the family and continue sensitization efforts aimed at preventing future incidents.
This tragic event highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing conservation efforts with human activities in areas designated for wildlife protection. The Ogun State Government continues to urge residents to respect conservation boundaries to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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