Tuesday, January 6, 2026 - Some farmers in Hinna Community, Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State, have raised concerns over increasing hippopotamus attacks on their farmlands and livelihoods.
Head of Farmers in Hinna Community, Mr Zakari Ladan, who
raised the alarm in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday,
January 5, 2026 said three persons have been k!lled while three others
sustained serious injuries in hippopotamus attacks.
Ladan said persistent hippo attacks had resulted in huge
losses, noting that the animals frequently destroyed crops and posed serious
threats to residents.
He said the population of hippopotamuses in the area had
grown to more than 40, wreaking havoc on farmlands and affecting both farmers
and fishermen.
According to him, from September 2025 to date, no fewer than
100 hectares of farmland cultivating various crops and vegetables have been
destroyed.
Ladan said crops affected included rice, beans, cabbage,
maize, carrots, okro, sweet melon, watermelon, onions, and other vegetables,
with losses estimated at more than N180 million.
“We are seriously worried about the hippos in our community
that are destroying our farmlands and livelihoods," he said.
"Currently, the population of the animals has grown to
more than 40. They are destroying our crops and k!lling people.
“From Sept. 2025 to date, three persons have been killed in
my community, while three others who sustained serious injuries are currently
hospitalised in Gombe.
"If you come to my community, you will see hippos
moving freely on farmlands. A single hippo can destroy up to two hectares of
farmland in one day.
“We are calling for help to protect our lives and
livelihoods because we are losing a lot daily.”
Another farmer, Malam Haruna Hinna, said his carrot and okro
farm had been destroyed by hippos, adding that one hectare of carrots was
valued at N1.7 million.
Hinna said farmers were helplessly losing their investments
in spite of reporting the situation annually to the state government,
non-governmental organizations, and other relevant authorities.
“We need urgent support from both the Federal and state
governments. We are tired and financially exhausted,” he said.
Other farmers who spoke to NAN shared similar experiences
and appealed to the government to support them with farm inputs to enable them
return to farming.
They also called on relevant stakeholders to support
fishermen in the community to adopt fish farming as an alternative
livelihood.
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