Elephant Sighting In Ilotombi Town Sparks Excitement And Conservation Calls.
Residents of Ilotombi town in Andoni Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria, were thrilled on 8 August 2025 when a large elephant was spotted roaming freely near the community. The rare sighting, which has captivated locals and sparked widespread discussion on social media, underscores the region’s rich biodiversity and highlights ongoing efforts to protect its endangered wildlife.
The elephant, believed to have emerged briefly from the dense forests of the Andoni mainland, was seen close to a bush path, drawing crowds of onlookers who captured the moment in photos and videos. According to local reports, the animal appeared unharmed and returned to the forest shortly after. This marks one of several elephant sightings in Andoni this year, with posts on X noting over 10 encounters in 2025 alone, including a similar sighting in nearby Ikuru town in July. The region is estimated to be home to more than 40 forest elephants, a species facing significant threats from poaching and habitat loss.
Barrister Erastus Awortu, Chairman of Andoni Local Government Area, has been a vocal advocate for wildlife conservation, having sponsored a by-law in 2021 to protect the area’s forests and endangered species, including elephants and hippopotamuses. During a strategic stakeholders’ meeting in Ngo, he declared these animals endangered and urged communities to refrain from harming them. The by-law, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aims to curb human-wildlife conflict and illegal poaching, with proposals for an elephant sanctuary and training for local youths to guard forests.
The sighting has reignited calls for stronger conservation measures. The UNDP, in a 2018 initiative, proposed designating parts of Andoni as a wildlife sanctuary to protect endangered species, citing the area’s 124 square kilometres as insufficient for the elephant population’s needs. Local experts, including retired forestry officer Amoru George Waripabo, have described Andoni’s elephant population as an “untapped treasure” but warned that urbanisation and poaching continue to threaten their survival.
Community members, such as Awajimam Jonah Ogwuokwa from Ngo, have expressed newfound appreciation for elephants, viewing them not as threats but as treasures to preserve for future generations. Social media reactions reflect a mix of awe and pride, with many Nigerians celebrating the region’s natural heritage. However, concerns remain about human-elephant conflicts, particularly as urban expansion encroaches on forest habitats.
Authorities have reiterated warnings against harming the elephants, emphasising their protected status. As Andoni continues to balance development with conservation, the sighting in Ilotombi serves as a reminder of the urgent need to protect Nigeria’s wildlife. Residents are encouraged to report sightings to local authorities to aid monitoring efforts, ensuring these majestic creatures remain a vital part of the region’s ecosystem.