By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Yola
Residents of Ketembere community in Shelleng Local Government Area of Adamawa State have appealed to the federal and state governments for urgent intervention following repeated attacks by hippopotamuses that have destroyed farmlands, threatened livelihoods and claimed lives in the area.
The community said the animals, believed to inhabit the Kiri Dam, frequently stray into nearby farms during the rainy season, feeding on and trampling cultivated crops, including maize, rice and sweet potatoes, before returning to the river.
The latest incident occurred on Sunday when several hippopotamuses reportedly invaded more than 20 farms, causing extensive damage to crops. Farmers said the recurring attacks have left many families facing severe economic losses, as agriculture remains their primary source of food and income.
One of the affected farmers, Alhaji Ngadan Muhammad, said the destruction this year has been devastating, with some farmers losing their entire farms while others had large portions of their crops destroyed.
He explained that the attacks occur annually during the rainy season when the animals leave the river in search of food. According to him, the hippopotamuses also pose a serious threat to human lives, particularly fishermen and farmers working near the riverbanks.
“Our situation is becoming unbearable. These hippopotamuses destroy our farms every rainy season and have, in previous years, killed some of our people. We thank God that no life was lost this year, but the destruction to our crops has been enormous,” he said while calling on the government to find a lasting solution.
Muhammad also commended the District Head of Shelleng, Alhaji Abdulrahman, for consistently supporting affected farmers and responding to their concerns.
Another resident, Alhaji Yusuf Ahmad, said the farmlands most affected are located close to the river where the hippopotamuses reside.
He noted that beyond destroying crops, the animals have become a major safety concern for residents, recalling that in previous years some schoolchildren reportedly lost their lives after encountering hippopotamuses while bathing in the river.
Ahmad warned that the continued presence of the wild animals has disrupted farming activities, heightened fear among residents and could threaten food security if urgent measures are not taken.
Responding to the development, the Adamawa State Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Mohammed Sadiq Kalu, confirmed that the ministry had received complaints from the affected communities.
He said the state government is assessing the situation and considering appropriate measures to address the recurring attacks and protect both lives and farmlands.
Experts have also expressed concern over the recurring human-wildlife conflict around Kiri Dam, warning that unless prompt action is taken, more crops, livelihoods and lives could be lost.
