Farmers in Hinna Community, Yamaltu‑Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State, have raised serious concerns over increasing hippopotamus attacks on their farmlands, describing the incidents as a threat to both livelihoods and lives.
According to community leaders, the marauding hippos have destroyed crops including rice, beans, maize, okra, carrots, cabbage, onions, and watermelon. The attacks, which have intensified since September 2025, have devastated more than 100 hectares of farmland, causing estimated losses of ₦180 million.
The conflict has also turned deadly. Reports indicate that three people have been killed and three others seriously injured in recent encounters with the animals. Farmers say a single hippo can destroy up to two hectares of crops in a single day, making the situation increasingly dire.
Local leaders and residents are appealing to both state and federal authorities for urgent intervention, stressing the need for measures that can protect their farmlands and ensure the safety of communities living near rivers and farmlands. A Gombe lawmaker has also called on federal authorities to address the recurring attacks, highlighting the ongoing human‑wildlife conflict in the region.
Human-hippo conflicts are not new to Gombe. In communities along riverbanks, similar incidents have been reported in the past, prompting farmers to keep vigil overnight to safeguard their crops. Residents now hope that government action will bring lasting solutions to the problem. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.