Gombe farmers raise the alarm over rising Hippo attacks

Farmers in Hinna Community, Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State have raised serious concerns about increasing attacks by hippopotamuses on their farms, resulting in significant crop losses and threats to lives.

Mr Zakari Ladan, head of farmers in the community, told the News Agency of Nigeria that the growing hippo population — now estimated at more than 40 animals — has been destroying farmlands and undermining the livelihoods of farmers and fishermen.

According to Ladan, from September 2025 to the present, hippos have damaged more than 100 hectares of crops, including rice, beans, cabbage, maize, carrots, okro, sweet melon, watermelon and onions.

He said the losses have been substantial, with farmers estimating their combined losses at over N180 million.

Ladan also said the animals have posed serious safety risks.

“They are destroying our crops and killing people,” he said, noting that three people have already been killed in the community, while three others remain hospitalised with serious injuries.

He told reporters that a single hippo can destroy up to two hectares of farmland in a day, adding that farmers are appealing for urgent help to protect their lives and property.

“If you come to my community, you will see hippos moving freely on farmlands,” Ladan said.

Another farmer, Malam Haruna Hinna, said his carrot and okro farm was wiped out by the animals, estimating that one hectare of carrots alone was worth about N1.7 million before being destroyed.

Residents said they have been reporting the situation to state government authorities and non-governmental organisations, but the problem persists with little effective intervention.

Farmers are calling on both federal and state governments for urgent support, including farm inputs to help them resume cultivation.

They also urged stakeholders to assist local fishermen to adopt alternative livelihoods such as fish farming.