Deadly Hippopotamus Kills Man in Adamawa Beside River

• A young man was tragically killed by a protective female hippopotamus in Guyuk, Adamawa State, after he approached its calf
• Rising floodwaters from the River Benue have pushed wild animals closer to riverine communities, raising fears among local farmers and fishermen
• The traditional ruler has urged residents to remain cautious, protect their children, and avoid confronting wild mammals during this dangerous season

A tragic incident has plunged Guyuk Local Government Area of Adamawa State into mourning after a young man was killed by a hippopotamus near farmland in the Kwarade community.

Guyuk, a largely riverine area whose residents depend on fishing and farming, has been facing rising challenges due to the swelling waters of the River Benue, which cuts across the Kiri Dam and surrounding communities.

The recent flooding has altered the movements of animals that inhabit the area, bringing them dangerously close to human settlements.

Man killed by female hippo

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Eyewitness and resident, Mr Ayuba Inuwa, recounted the harrowing discovery to a Legit.ng correspondent.

“We woke up and found a dead body in the farmland with a dead hippopotamus beside it,” he said.

According to Mr Inuwa, the young man had approached a baby hippopotamus left on dry land by its mother, a move that proved fatal.

“The nature of hippopotamus that I know is that, whenever a female spec gives birth, it doesn't want anyone to come close to it,” Mr Inuwa explained.

“Normally when it fights with a male spec, it also leaves the water to farmland to rest before going back. So, when it came to the land, that was when the young man attacked it and it revenge back.”

In a separate incident, Mr Inuwa added that another hippopotamus was spotted grazing in farmland in a different part of the local government area.

“Before people could approach it, it was already dead,” he noted.

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The surge in animal sightings has raised alarm among residents, prompting a warning from the local traditional ruler.

Ruler advises caution as fears grow

Speaking to the community, the ruler urged fishermen and farmers to exercise caution during this period, explaining that the flooding season increases the likelihood of mammals emerging from the river.

He advised residents to watch over their children, particularly those who frequent the river to fetch water or wash clothes, stressing the importance of vigilance to safeguard lives and property.

“A person cannot be a friend to mammals, so the community should stay away from coming closer to such animals whenever they see them,” he warned.

In closing, the ruler called on residents to remain prayerful and alert, reminding them that hippopotamuses are especially sensitive during this season and may seek food from farms or even attack humans.

The community, still grappling with the shock of the recent attack, has been left to weigh the risks that come with living close to the river that sustains them, as climate and seasonal changes continue to affect both wildlife and human livelihoods.

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Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Adamawa State Police Command arrested 567 suspects linked to kidnapping, robbery, and child trafficking

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Source: Legit.ng