One person has been confirmed dead following an invasion of displaced hippopotamuses in the Guyuk and Shelleng Local Government Areas of Adamawa State.
The tragic incident occurred in the Banjiram community, where a young man was attacked and killed by one of the animals, according to the Chairman of Guyuk Local Government, Mr. Shalom Kassa, who spoke to reporters on Monday.
Mr. Kassa revealed that the hippopotamuses were dislodged from their natural habitat due to recent flooding around the Kiri Dam in Shelleng LGA. The animals have since migrated into surrounding communities, including farmlands and riverbanks, sparking widespread fear among residents.
“These animals are no longer confined to the river areas. They now roam close to homes and farms, posing a serious threat to human lives and livelihoods,” Kassa said.
He called on relevant authorities to intervene urgently to prevent further loss of life and protect local communities from future attacks. Residents in affected areas are being urged to exercise caution, especially around waterways and farming zones where the animals have been sighted.
The Adamawa State Government is yet to issue an official response, but local leaders are appealing for wildlife experts and emergency services to help manage the situation.
The incident has raised concerns about the broader impact of environmental changes and displacement of wildlife caused by flooding and climate-related disruptions.
