The lawmaker representing Yamaltu/Deba Federal Constituency, Gombe, Inuwa Garba, has called on relevant security agencies under the Federal Government to arrest growing trend of deaths from attacks by hippopotamuses in the state.
Garba made this plea at Thursday’s plenary of the House of Representatives in a motion of urgent public importance he moved.
“There have been recurrent and deadly attacks by hippopotamuses in several communities within Yamaltu/Deba Federal Constituency of Gombe State, particularly affecting fishermen and other farmers whose activities revolve around rivers and farmlands in the area.
“The House notes that these attacks have led to the tragic loss of lives of some fishermen and farmers, as well as the destruction of crops, thereby inflicting untold hardship on the affected families and communities whose livelihoods depend heavily on fishing and agriculture.
“The constant presence of these wild animals around rivers and farmlands in these locations has instilled fear and panic among residents, forcing many farmers and fishermen to abandon their means of livelihood, thus worsening the poverty and food insecurity situation in the constituency,” the lawmaker said in his address to fellow-lawmakers.
“On October 5, a canoe was attacked and one Yahaya Bawa was killed and many others were injured,” he also said.
Gombe and neighbouring Bauchi State are home to species of wildlife, including bush pigs, buffalo, elephants, and zebras, among others.
However, reports of the animals attacking humans are not uncommon.
