Gombe lawmaker Inuwa Garba urges urgent federal intervention to stop deadly hippopotamus attacks destroying lives and farmlands in Yamaltu/Deba.
Inuwa Garba, the lawmaker representing Yamaltu/Deba Federal Constituency of Gombe State, has raised alarm over recurring hippopotamus attacks that have claimed lives and destroyed farmlands in his constituency.
Speaking on the matter, Hon. Garba appealed to the Federal Government to take immediate action to protect residents whose livelihoods and safety are being threatened by the growing menace. He emphasized that the attacks have become a major concern for farmers and local communities living near water bodies in the area.
The legislator called for a coordinated intervention involving the Ministry of Environment, the National Park Service, and relevant wildlife management agencies to control the situation and prevent further loss of lives and property.
Garba noted that many farmers have abandoned their lands for fear of being attacked, leading to significant economic losses and potential food shortages in the region. He urged authorities to implement lasting solutions, such as habitat management and awareness campaigns, to ensure peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife.
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The plea comes amid increasing reports of human-wildlife conflicts in various parts of Nigeria, especially in rural communities where water sources and farmlands overlap with animal habitats.