Residents of a town in northwestern Nigeria are rejoicing following the elimination of a notorious hippo and its calf, an event that unfolded over several weeks as local rice farmers and fishermen organized a hunt.
In Yauri, Kebbi State, the community had lived in fear after the hippo was responsible for the death of a fisherman employed by a local traditional leader. This tragic incident compelled the Kebbi State government to authorize the animal’s removal to ensure the safety of residents living near the River Niger.
The hippo population in Nigeria has plummeted in recent decades, with estimates indicating only around 100 remain, predominantly in conservation zones.
Local youth successfully tracked the hippo using traditional spears, known as “zagos,” ultimately leading to its death. The animal’s carcass was transported by canoe to the palace of a prominent local official, where it was butchered and shared amongst community members.
Sani Yauri, a local resident, expressed relief, stating, “We are a town of fishermen and farmers, and this hippo has caused many of us to stop working due to the fear of attacks. It not only killed a member of the emir’s staff but also seriously injured another person and damaged our farmlands.”
The banks of the River Niger are dotted with paddy fields, a favored spot for the hippo. In light of its death, celebrations erupted in the community, with many pleased to partake in the meat distribution. Another resident, Isa Jamilu, expressed his relief, noting he could finally return to his farm that he had abandoned out of fear.
While photos of the deceased hippo circulated widely, reactions were mixed; some praised the local community for their actions, while others voiced concern for the welfare of the endangered species. The common hippopotamus is listed as threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Animal rights activist Isyaku Abdullahi expressed dismay over the celebration of the animal’s death. He advocated for better awareness regarding humane treatment and relocation options for dangerous wildlife in rural communities, particularly those in Kebbi State, which is rich in rivers and lakes.
Kebbi State is also famous for hosting the annual Argungu Fishing Festival, recognized as a UNESCO cultural heritage event. Hippos, known as the third-largest land mammals, possess impressive teeth that can grow up to 20 inches long. Despite their herbivorous diet, they can be extremely aggressive when threatened, resulting in approximately 500 fatalities across Africa each year.
