Farmers in Hinna community of Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area, Gombe State, have raised alarm over escalating attacks by hippopotamuses, saying the growing presence of the animals is destroying farmlands, crippling livelihoods and endangering lives.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday, the head of farmers in the community, Mr Zakari Ladan, said repeated incursions by hippos had resulted in massive agricultural losses and heightened fear among residents.
According to him, the number of hippopotamuses in the area has risen to over 40, with the animals frequently straying from nearby water bodies into farmlands and fishing areas.
Ladan disclosed that from September 2025 to date, no fewer than 100 hectares of farmland planted with various crops and vegetables have been destroyed, with losses estimated at more than ₦180 million.
“The hippos are destroying our crops and threatening our lives. From September last year till now, three people have been killed in this community, while three others who sustained serious injuries are currently receiving treatment in Gombe,” he said.
He listed affected crops to include rice, beans, maize, cabbage, carrots, okro, onions, sweet melon, watermelon and other vegetables, noting that a single hippopotamus could devastate up to two hectares of farmland in a single day.
Another farmer, Malam Haruna Hinna, said his carrot and okro farms were wiped out during recent attacks, adding that one hectare of carrot farmland alone was worth about ₦1.7 million.
Hinna lamented that despite repeated reports to the state government, non-governmental organisations and relevant authorities over the years, farmers continued to suffer losses.
“We are helpless and financially exhausted. We need urgent intervention from both the state and federal governments to enable us return to farming,” he said.
Other farmers who spoke to NAN echoed similar concerns, appealing for immediate government support, including the provision of farm inputs and security measures to protect farmlands.
They also urged relevant stakeholders to assist fishermen in the community to adopt fish farming as an alternative means of livelihood, given the dangers associated with fishing in areas now dominated by hippopotamuses.
The farmers warned that without urgent intervention, food production and economic activities in the area could further decline, worsening hardship for rural households dependent on farming and fishing.
