Residents of Guyuk and Shelleng in Adamawa State are living in fear as flood-displaced hippopotamuses continue to invade their farmlands, riverbanks, and homes—leaving one person dead and many others in danger.
The tragedy unfolded in Banjiram community where a local was fatally attacked by one of the animals. According to Shalom Kassa, Chairman of Guyuk Local Government Area, the hippos were forced out of their habitat near the Kiri Dam due to rising floodwaters and have since been roaming populated areas in search of space.
“These hippos are now posing serious threats to human lives and property. They’ve destroyed crops, entered flooded homes, and people are afraid to even go near the rivers,” Kassa said while speaking in the community on Monday.
The attack has sparked concern among residents who say they feel helpless. Despite the threat to their lives, locals are legally prohibited from taking defensive action, as hippopotamuses are a protected species under Nigerian wildlife conservation laws.
To seek urgent intervention, Kassa, alongside Shelleng LGA Chairman Alhaji Abubakar Abba and traditional leaders including the Kwandi Nunguraya of Guyuk, traveled to Yola to meet with state officials. They called on the Adamawa State Ministry of Environment and relevant wildlife agencies to act swiftly before more lives are lost.
“This is not just about protecting animals anymore; we are appealing for human lives to be prioritized,” Kassa added.
During the visit, he also extended condolences to victims of recent flooding in Yola town, where five people reportedly died and 55 others were hospitalized.
In response, the Secretary to the State Government, Awwal Tukur, assured the delegation that the government is aware of the situation and will take necessary steps to protect affected communities.
As climate change continues to intensify flooding across Nigeria, the once-rare encounters between humans and displaced wildlife are becoming more frequent—and more dangerous. For residents of Adamawa, the presence of hippos in their backyards is no longer a wildlife spectacle but a daily threat they cannot ignore.