Gombe Lawmaker Urges Federal Government Protection After Hippopotamus Attack Kills Young Man!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

A tragic incident in Gombe State has prompted a strong appeal from a local lawmaker to the Federal Government for urgent wildlife protection measures. The call follows the death of a young man who was fatally attacked by a hippopotamus in one of the state’s riverine areas.

What Happened

• The fatal attack reportedly occurred along the Dadinkowa River, where communities have long coexisted with hippos in the wild.
• According to local reports, the young man was fetching water when the hippopotamus emerged and attacked him, leaving him with fatal injuries.
• The incident sparked panic among residents, with many fearing further attacks from the increasingly aggressive animals.

Lawmaker’s Appeal

• A member of the Gombe State House of Assembly representing the affected area has called on the Federal Ministry of Environment and relevant wildlife agencies to intervene.
• He urged the government to deploy rangers or wildlife specialists to manage the situation and protect both lives and endangered species.
• The lawmaker stressed that the community lacks the tools or training to handle such wildlife threats safely.
  Why It Matters
• While hippopotamuses are protected under Nigerian wildlife laws, they are also among the deadliest animals in Africa, especially when they feel threatened.
• The incident highlights the need for better human-wildlife conflict management, especially in communities bordering rivers and conservation zones.

Citations:

1. The Guardian Nigeria: guardian.ng/news/fear-as-displaced-hippos-kill-one-attack-adamawa-communities/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Herald: www.herald.ng/hippos-attacking-our-community-farmlands-gombe-village-head-cries-out/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Managing Editor of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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