Fishermen in Kebbi State, northwest Nigeria, have killed a hippopotamus that was responsible for the tragic death of a local guard.
The animal was killed following an order from Governor Nasir Idris, which was enforced by the Emir of Yauri, Dr. Muhammad Zayyanu Abdullahi.
The Emir’s staff member, Malam Usman Maigadi, had been fatally attacked by the hippopotamus while fishing in the Yauri River.
This incident has left the community in shock and mourning.
Maigadi was a 60-year-old guard at the Emir’s Orchard Farm.
On the fateful day, he was fishing in Tillo Village when the mother hippopotamus charged at him.
Eyewitnesses believe that the hippo felt threatened, possibly thinking that Maigadi posed a danger to its calf.
Despite being known as a calm creature, hippos can become extremely aggressive when they feel their young are at risk.
In an attempt to protect its baby, the hippo attacked Maigadi, leading to fatal injuries.
The community is grieving the loss of a respected figure.
The Chairman of Yauri Local Government, Abubakar Shu’aibu, confirmed that Maigadi was buried according to Islamic rites.
His funeral attracted family, friends, and community leaders, all of whom mourned his loss.
Shu’aibu expressed his condolences to Maigadi’s family, praising his dedication to the community.
In a statement, he remarked, “His death is a great loss, and we share in the grief of his family.”
Following the incident, Governor Nasir Idris extended his condolences to Maigadi’s family and the Emirate of Yauri.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ahmed Idris, the governor expressed deep sympathy for the tragic loss.
Idris urged the family to remain strong in their faith during this difficult time.
He also recognized Maigadi’s contribution to the community, stating, “It is a tragic loss, and we pray that the Almighty grants his family the strength to bear the pain.”
In response to the incident, 40 fishermen banded together to hunt down the hippopotamus.
Using bows and arrows, they succeeded after an extensive search for the animal.
The hippopotamus was eventually transported in a local dugout canoe to the Palace of the District Head of Gungu, Kasimu Aliyu.
There, it was slaughtered, and the parts were shared among the people as meat.
Hippopotamuses are known to be among Africa’s most dangerous animals.
Despite their large size and seemingly calm demeanor, they are responsible for more human deaths than any other large animal on the continent.
Their unpredictable nature, especially when they are with their young, poses a significant threat to those living near rivers and lakes.
In rural areas like Yauri, where communities rely on fishing and water sources for survival, encounters with hippos can be deadly.
The tragic events in Kebbi highlight the ongoing challenges of living near wildlife-rich areas.
While rivers provide food and livelihoods, they also attract dangerous animals.
Human-wildlife conflict is increasingly becoming a pressing issue in many parts of Africa.
As rural communities expand into animal habitats, the potential for dangerous encounters grows.
Hippopotamuses are not commonly seen in Kebbi State, which is renowned for its fishing community.
The region boasts a large body of water and is known for the annual Argungu fishing festival, attracting visitors from all over Nigeria and beyond.
