By Agrobroadcast Team
Farmers in Hinna Community, Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State, have raised serious concerns over escalating attacks by hippopotamuses, which they say are destroying farmlands, threatening livelihoods and endangering lives.
Speaking during an interview on Monday, Mr. Zakari Ladan, Head of Farmers in the community, described the situation as alarming, noting that persistent hippo invasions had resulted in widespread destruction of crops and growing insecurity among residents.
According to Ladan, the population of hippopotamuses in the area has increased to more than 40, with the animals frequently straying onto farmlands and water routes used by both farmers and fishermen.
“From September 2025 to date, no fewer than 100 hectares of farmland cultivating various crops and vegetables have been destroyed,” he said.
Ladan listed affected crops to include rice, beans, cabbage, maize, carrots, okro, sweet melon, watermelon, onions and other vegetables, estimating total losses at over ₦180 million.
“We are deeply worried about the hippos in our community. They are destroying our farmlands, threatening our livelihoods and even killing people,” he said.
He further disclosed that three residents had been killed since September 2025, while three others sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment at hospitals in Gombe.
“If you visit my community, you will see hippos moving freely on farmlands. A single hippo can destroy up to two hectares of farmland in one day,” Ladan added.
Calling for urgent intervention, he appealed to government authorities and relevant agencies to help protect lives and livelihoods in the area.
“We are losing so much on a daily basis, and we urgently need help,” he said.
Another farmer, Malam Haruna Hinna, corroborated Ladan’s account, revealing that his carrot and okro farms had been completely destroyed by hippos.
“One hectare of carrot alone is worth about ₦1.7 million, and it has all been lost,” he said.
Hinna lamented that despite reporting the situation annually to the state government, non-governmental organisations and other relevant bodies, farmers continued to suffer without meaningful assistance.
“We are helpless. Our investments are being wiped out, and we are financially exhausted. We need urgent support from both the Federal and state governments,” he said.
Other farmers who spoke with the interviewer shared similar experiences, appealing for government support in the form of farm inputs to enable them return to farming.
They also called on relevant stakeholders to assist fishermen in the community to transition into fish farming as an alternative and safer source of livelihood.