A young man has been killed following an invasion by displaced hippopotamuses in the Guyuk and Shelleng Local Government Areas of Adamawa State.
Chairman of Guyuk LGA, Mr. Shalom Kassa, confirmed the incident on Monday in the Banjiram community, stating that the animals were forced out of their natural habitat due to flooding around the Kiri Dam in Shelleng.
The hippos have since migrated into nearby communities, farmlands, and riverbanks, sparking fear among residents.
“This is a serious threat to human lives and livelihoods. The animals are destroying farmlands, invading flooded homes, and putting both residents and livestock at risk,” Kassa said.
In response to the growing danger, Kassa, along with the Chairman of Shelleng LGA, Alhaji Abubakar Abba, and traditional leaders, including the Kwandi Nunguraya of Guyuk, Kuruhaye, visited the state capital, Yola, to seek government intervention.
Kassa explained that ongoing flooding across parts of the state, particularly in Guyuk and Shelleng, had driven the animals into populated areas. He also noted that residents are unable to protect themselves due to laws prohibiting the killing or harming of wildlife, including hippopotamuses.
“We are calling on the Ministry of Environment, wildlife officials, and relevant agencies to step in urgently before more lives are lost,” he appealed.
Kassa also extended condolences to victims of recent flooding in Yola, where five people reportedly died and 55 others were hospitalized.
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Receiving the delegation, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Awwal Tukur, assured them that the state government would take swift action to address the crisis.
