Tragedy Strikes Adamawa As Flood-Displaced Hippos Attack Communities.
A devastating incident has unfolded in Adamawa State, Nigeria, where one person has lost their life and several communities are living in fear following attacks by hippopotamuses displaced by severe flooding. The tragic event occurred in the Guyuk and Shelleng Local Government Areas, where floodwaters from the Kiri Dam have forced these dangerous animals into human settlements, wreaking havoc on farmlands and homes.
According to Mr Shalom Kassa, Chairman of Guyuk Local Government, a young man was killed by one of the displaced hippos in the Banjiram community. Speaking on Monday, Kassa highlighted the growing threat posed by the animals, which have been driven from their natural habitat by the flooding. “The hippopotamuses are now roaming within communities, farmlands, and riverbanks, causing widespread fear among residents,” he said. “This is a serious threat to human lives and livelihoods, with farmlands destroyed and homes invaded.”
The flooding around the Kiri Dam in Shelleng has exacerbated the crisis, pushing the animals into closer contact with human populations. Residents report that the hippos, typically confined to rivers and wetlands, are now venturing into flooded homes and agricultural lands, endangering both people and livestock. The destruction of crops has raised concerns about potential food shortages in the affected areas, compounding the challenges faced by these communities.
In response to the crisis, Kassa, alongside Alhaji Abubakar Abba, Chairman of Shelleng Local Government, and traditional rulers, including Kwandi Nunguraya of Guyuk, Kuruhaye, visited the state government in Yola to appeal for urgent assistance. Mr Awwal Tukur, Secretary to the Adamawa State Government, assured the delegation that authorities are taking steps to address the situation, though specific measures have yet to be outlined.
The recent flooding in Adamawa has also caused significant loss beyond the hippo attacks. Kassa extended his condolences to victims of flooding in Yola town, where five people reportedly died and 55 others were hospitalised. The state has faced recurring flood-related challenges, with poorly maintained drainage systems and heavy rainfall overwhelming communities. The Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA) has been urged to provide relief materials, including food, shelter, and medical aid, to support those affected.
Local residents are calling for immediate intervention to mitigate the threat posed by the displaced hippos and to address the broader impact of the flooding. Authorities are under pressure to implement both short-term relief efforts and long-term strategies to prevent further loss of life and property in this flood-prone region.
The situation remains precarious, with communities on edge as they navigate the dual threats of flooding and wildlife incursions. As Adamawa grapples with this unfolding crisis, the need for swift and coordinated action has never been more urgent.
