Residents of Yauri, a town in northwestern Nigeria, are celebrating after a rare and feared hippopotamus, along with its calf, was killed by local farmers and fishermen following a lengthy hunt.
The hunt, which lasted several weeks, was prompted by increasing fears among the community after the hippo attacked and killed a fisherman employed by the local traditional leader.
In response to the growing threat, the Kebbi state government ordered the elimination of the animal to ensure the safety of residents living along the River Niger. The hippo’s population in Nigeria has declined dramatically in recent decades, with estimates suggesting there are now only around 100 remaining, primarily in conservation areas. The hippo in Yauri was tracked down and killed by local young men using traditional spears known as “zagos.”
After the hippo was killed, its carcass was transported by canoe to the palace of a high-ranking official from the Emir of Yauri. There, it was butchered, and the meat was distributed among community members. “We are a town of fishermen and farmers, and this hippo instilled fear in many, preventing them from going out due to the threat of attack,” said resident Sani Yauri. “In addition to killing a member of the emir’s staff, it also seriously injured another person and regularly caused damage to our farmland.”
The presence of the hippo was particularly concerning for farmers, as many paddy fields are located along the riverbanks where the animal was frequently spotted. “We are happy it has been killed. People came out in jubilation and received their share of the meat,” Mr. Yauri noted.
Another local resident, Isa Jamilu, expressed relief that he could finally return to his farm, which he had abandoned weeks earlier due to fear of the hippo. Photos of the dead animal have circulated widely on social media, generating mixed reactions. While some praised the community for standing up against the threat, others voiced concerns about the implications for wildlife conservation.
The common hippopotamus is listed as a threatened species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). “This is an endangered species, and I felt sad when I saw the video of people celebrating its death,” said Isyaku Abdullahi, an animal rights activist and founder of Nigeria’s African Voice for Animals Initiative. “The people of Yauri should have reported the situation to the relevant authorities, who could have captured and relocated it.”
Abdullahi emphasized that rural communities, particularly in Kebbi state where numerous rivers and lakes exist, need to be educated about alternatives when dealing with dangerous wildlife. He highlighted the importance of coexistence with local fauna, advocating for more humane solutions.
Kebbi is also known for hosting the annual Argungu Fishing Festival, a cultural event recognized by the United Nations for its significance to the region.
Hippos are the third-largest land mammals, with teeth that can grow up to 20 inches long. Despite their size, they are capable of running at speeds of up to 20 mph. Though primarily herbivorous, hippos can be extremely aggressive when they feel threatened or when their habitats are disturbed, resulting in an estimated 500 human deaths annually across Africa.
As the community celebrates the demise of the hippo, the incident raises broader questions about wildlife management and human-animal conflict in Nigeria. The tragedy highlights the delicate balance between protecting endangered species and ensuring the safety of communities that share their habitats. As the residents of Yauri reflect on their recent victory, the future of both the local people and the hippos remains uncertain.
