The Ogun State Government has expressed sadness over the death of Musa Yahaya Kalamu, 49, who was killed by an elephant in Itasin community, Ijebu East Local Government Area.
Kalamu was with his son when the attack happened. While Kalamu died, his son escaped unharmed. A video showing Kalamu’s lifeless body with exposed injuries circulated widely on social media, causing shock and anger in the community.
The area where the incident occurred is a protected conservation zone set aside for wildlife, especially elephants, and is not meant for farming or settlement.
Ogun State Commissioner for Forestry, Oludotun Taiwo, told journalists that despite several warnings, public sensitisation, and even demolition of illegal settlements, some people continue to enter the forest illegally.
Taiwo said, “This is a very sad incident. The man who died was reportedly trying to move illegal logs in the conservation area when the elephant attacked him.”
He explained that elephants are usually peaceful and only become aggressive if provoked. The government has been educating people not to confront the animals.
Taiwo also revealed that government officials met hostility when they visited the community to address the issue but promised to return to console the family and continue awareness campaigns.
“The forest covers over 6,000 hectares and is not a place for farming or settlement. Unfortunately, human encroachment sometimes leads to these tragic conflicts,” he said.
The Ogun government sympathised with the family and urged residents to respect conservation rules to prevent future accidents.