The member representing Yamaltu/Deba Federal Constituency in Gombe State, Inuwa Garba, has appealed to the Federal Government to intervene in the growing number of hippopotamus attacks on residents of his constituency, which have recently led to several deaths.
Garba made the appeal on Thursday through a motion of urgent public importance during a plenary session presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
Gombe and neighbouring Bauchi State are home to diverse wildlife species such as elephants, buffaloes, zebras, and bush pigs. However, reports of human attacks have been rare — until recently.
The Peoples Democratic Party lawmaker noted that communities in Yamaltu/Deba have been witnessing “recurrent and deadly attacks” by hippopotamuses, mostly targeting fishermen and farmers who work around rivers and farmlands.
“These attacks have caused tragic loss of lives, including fishermen and farmers, and have destroyed crops,” Garba said. “This has brought untold hardship on families and communities that depend on fishing and farming for survival.”
He cited a recent incident on October 5, when a canoe was attacked, leading to the death of one Yahaya Bawa and injuries to several others.
Garba warned that if the situation is not promptly addressed, it could escalate into a humanitarian and economic crisis, displacing residents and further reducing agricultural productivity.
He stressed that the victims deserve immediate intervention and relief from the government, noting that continued wildlife encroachment could force more people to abandon their farmlands, worsening food insecurity in the area.
Following his motion, the House adopted several resolutions, including a directive to the Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC) to provide motorised boats to improve transportation for farmers and residents in the riverine areas.
The House also urged the Federal Government to establish an inter-agency committee comprising the Federal Ministries of Agriculture and Food Security, Water Resources, the National Emergency Management Agency, and HYPPADEC to assess the damages and provide relief materials and compensation to affected communities.
Additionally, it called for collaboration with wildlife and environmental agencies to develop sustainable measures to control hippopotamus movements and safeguard residents.
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The House further mandated its Committees on HYPPADEC, Water Resources, and Agricultural Production and Services to conduct a fact-finding visit to the affected areas for on-the-spot assessment and to recommend long-term solutions.
