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| Flooded dam sends hippo into local farms. |
A flood‑driven hippo killed a young man in Adamawa State. The animal left the Kiri Dam area and invaded villages in Guyuk and Shelleng local councils . Residents saw hippos roaming farmlands, homes, and river edges. They feared more attacks and livestock losses .
Officials say residents cannot act under wildlife laws that protect hippos. Locals urged the government and wildlife agencies to step in immediately . In response, local and traditional leaders appealed to the state government in Yola for rescue measures .
The victim died in Banjiram, a young man near the river. That fatal attack triggered panic across both communities. People reported crops ruined and homes flooded by the hippos’ paths . Farming and fishing stopped in many areas out of fear of more incursions .
This event is not new. Kiri Dam hosts more than 200 hippos, and past floods have caused similar crises . Experts warn that heavy rains and rising dam levels will likely push more wildlife into populated zones.
Some locals reportedly apprehended a rampaging hippo and butchered it for meat, claiming self-defense and survival . This action bypassed wildlife protections and sparked debate on human safety versus conservation.
State wildlife agencies are now urged to plan animal relocation, reinforce riverbanks, and train local trackers. Community groups teach residents safe routines around rivers and night watches .
The crisis shows the deep strain between wildlife laws and public safety. Without swift action, damage to lives and crops may worsen. Vigilance and coordinated effort can help curb more tragedies.