Tension has gripped residents of Guyuk and Shelleng Local Government Areas of Adamawa State following the invasion of communities by displaced hippopotamuses. At least one person has been confirmed dead as a result of the attacks.
The incident was confirmed by Mr. Shalom Kassa, Chairman of Guyuk LGA, who said the hippos were flushed out of their natural habitat around the Kiri Dam due to heavy flooding. He made the disclosure on Monday while addressing concerns in the Banjiram community.
“These animals now roam freely across villages, farmlands, and riverbanks, creating panic and posing a serious threat to lives and livelihoods,” Kassa said, adding that residents are unable to defend themselves due to wildlife protection laws.
The hippos are reportedly destroying crops, invading flooded homes, and threatening both humans and livestock. Local authorities say they are overwhelmed by the situation.
In a bid to secure urgent intervention, Kassa, alongside Shelleng LGA Chairman Alhaji Abubakar Abba and traditional leaders including the Kwandi Nunguraya of Guyuk, Kuruhaye, visited Yola, the state capital, to seek government support.
Kassa appealed to the state Ministry of Environment and relevant wildlife agencies to act swiftly to prevent further casualties. “We cannot take the law into our hands, and people are scared. Urgent government action is needed,” he said.
He also expressed condolences to victims of recent floods in Yola town, where five people reportedly lost their lives and 55 others were hospitalized.
Responding to the appeal, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Awwal Tukur, assured the delegation that the state government would address the growing threat urgently.
