Fishermen and rice farmers are celebrating the successful hunt of a feared hippopotamus and her calf, which has sparked a mix of relief and concern within the community. The hippo had become a source of anxiety for residents after it killed a fisherman associated with the local traditional leader, prompting state authorities to deem the animal a threat that needed to be eliminated.
The Kebbi state government acted swiftly, ordering the hippo’s removal to safeguard the residents living along the banks of the River Niger. The region has seen a sharp decline in Nigeria’s hippo population over recent decades, with current estimates suggesting that only around 100 hippos remain, primarily in conservation areas.
The hunt for the hippo unfolded over several weeks, with local young men employing traditional methods to track and kill the animal. Using locally crafted spears known as “zagos,” they successfully subdued the creature. Following its death, the carcass was transported via canoe to the palace of a senior official under the Emir of Yauri, where it was butchered, and the meat distributed to community members.
Sani Yauri, a resident, expressed the community’s sentiments, stating, “We are a town of fishermen and farmers, and this hippo had caused many to stop going out due to fear of an attack. Beyond the tragedy of the fisherman’s death, it had also injured another individual and frequently damaged our farmlands.” With numerous paddy fields lining the riverbanks, the presence of the hippo had posed a significant threat to the livelihoods of local farmers.
The atmosphere in Yauri turned festive as community members celebrated the hunt, with many gathering to share in the meat. “We are happy it has been killed, and people came out in jubilation to receive their share of the meat,” added Mr. Yauri. Another local, Isa Jamilu, expressed relief, stating that he could now return to his farm, which he had abandoned weeks prior out of fear for his safety.
However, the hunt has garnered mixed reactions online, with photos of the dead animal sparking widespread discussion. While some praised the community for standing up against a perceived threat, others raised concerns about the welfare of the endangered species. The common hippopotamus is listed as threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and animal rights activist Isyaku Abdullahi expressed sorrow over the incident. “This is an endangered species, and I was saddened to see people celebrating its death. The community should have reported the situation to the relevant authorities, who could have captured and relocated the animal.”
Abdullahi emphasized the need for rural communities, particularly in areas like Kebbi with numerous rivers and lakes, to be educated about alternative approaches when dealing with potentially dangerous wildlife.
Kebbi State is also known for hosting the annual Argungu Fishing Festival, recognized by UNESCO as a cultural heritage event. As the community reflects on the recent events, it highlights the ongoing tension between human activities and wildlife conservation in Nigeria, raising critical questions about coexistence and the management of endangered species.
Despite the apparent victory for the residents of Yauri, the incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between community safety and environmental conservation, calling for more comprehensive strategies to address wildlife encounters in rural areas.
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