Frequent hippopotamus attacks in Adamawa community claim third victim

Kiri community in Shelleng Local Government Area of Adamawa State has raised concern over frequent attacks by hippopotamuses, which have resulted in the deaths of three people.

The attacks have occurred on different occasions, killing residents and injuring others.

The latest incident, which took place on Friday, led to the death of 65-year-old Yakubu Galadima, popularly known as Yakubu Kuri, while he was fishing.

A source close to one of the deceased told, “This particular person was a household man; he has about eight children. Yesterday, after Asr prayer, he went to the river to catch fish, as it is his means of livelihood, when he met his end.

“The incident happened when he was inside his fishing boat; the hippo appeared. At first he did not see it, and people outside saw it and tried to alert him, but he couldn’t hear them calling him.

“Before he noticed, it had already reached his boat. He got scared by its sudden appearance and jumped into the river, leaving his boat, and that is how the hippo got to him and caught him by his leg, then dragged him into the deeper side of the river.”

He added that the hippopotamus belongs to the government and cannot be killed without official approval.

The relevant authorities have yet to comment on the issue, and the Adamawa State Government has not issued a statement.

Residents have urged the government to tackle the problem as a matter of urgency.