Gombe Farmers Cry Out Over Growing Hippo Attacks

News in brief:

-Farmers in Gombe State report severe crop destruction and fatalities linked to increasing hippopotamus attacks.

-Community leaders are appealing for urgent government intervention and alternative livelihood support.

Farmers in the Hinna Community, located in the Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State, have raised serious concerns over the increasing attacks by hippopotamuses on their farmlands and local livelihoods.

The Head of Farmers in the community, Mr Zakari Ladan, disclosed in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria that persistent hippo incursions have resulted in widespread crop destruction and heightened insecurity for residents.

According to Ladan, the population of hippopotamuses in the area has risen to more than 40, with the animals frequently straying onto farmlands and water bodies, affecting both farmers and fishermen.

Over 100 Hectares Destroyed, Losses Exceed ₦180 Million

Ladan revealed that from September 2025 to date, the animals have destroyed no fewer than 100 hectares of crops. Affected crops include rice, beans, cabbage, maize, carrots, okro, sweet melon, watermelon, onions and other vegetables. He estimated the cumulative financial losses at over ₦180 million.

He added that the situation has become life-threatening, noting that three residents had been killed while three others sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment in hospitals in Gombe.

Community Lives in Fear

Ladan said hippopotamuses now move freely across farmlands, particularly at night, making farming activities increasingly dangerous.

“A single hippo can destroy up to two hectares of farmland in one day,” he said, stressing that farmers are losing their livelihoods daily with little protection.

He appealed for immediate intervention to safeguard both lives and agricultural investments in the community.

Farmers Say Appeals Have Been Ignored

Another farmer, Malam Haruna, said his carrot and okro farm was destroyed by hippos, adding that one hectare of carrots alone was valued at ₦1.7 million.

He lamented that despite repeated reports to the state government, non-governmental organisations and relevant authorities over the years, little has been done to address the crisis.

“We are tired and financially exhausted. We need urgent support from both the Federal and state governments,” he said.

Other farmers who spoke with NAN shared similar experiences and called on government authorities to provide farm inputs to enable them to return to agricultural production. They also urged relevant stakeholders to support fishermen in the community by promoting fish farming as an alternative livelihood, warning that continued inaction could worsen poverty and food insecurity in the area.