Gombe Farmers Cry Out Over Rising Hippo Invasions on Farmlands

Farmers in Hinna Community, Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State, have raised serious concerns over escalating attacks by hippopotamuses on their farmlands, describing the situation as a growing threat to their livelihoods and safety.

Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday, the Head of Farmers in Hinna Community, Mr. Zakari Ladan, said persistent hippo invasions had caused massive agricultural losses and posed grave danger to residents.
Ladan explained that the population of hippopotamuses in the area had increased to over 40, with the animals frequently straying onto farmlands and riverbanks, destroying crops and disrupting farming and fishing activities.
According to him, from September 2025 to date, no fewer than 100 hectares of farmland planted with various crops and vegetables had been ravaged by the animals.
He listed affected crops to include rice, beans, cabbage, maize, carrots, okro, sweet melon, watermelon, onions and other vegetables, noting that the total losses were estimated at more than N180 million.
“We are deeply troubled by the presence of these hippos in our community. They are destroying our farms and threatening our lives,” Ladan said.
“Their number has risen to more than 40, and they roam freely across farmlands. In just one day, a single hippo can destroy up to two hectares of cultivated land.
“Since September 2025, three people have been killed by hippo attacks in my community, while three others sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment in hospitals in Gombe.
“We are appealing for urgent intervention to protect our lives and means of livelihood, as the losses we record daily are unbearable,” he added.
Another farmer, Malam Haruna Hinna, said his carrot and okro farms had been completely destroyed by the animals, adding that one hectare of carrot farm alone was worth about N1.7 million.
Hinna lamented that despite repeatedly reporting the situation to the state government, non-governmental organisations and other relevant authorities over the years, farmers continued to suffer heavy losses.
“We urgently need assistance from both the Federal and state governments. We are exhausted and financially drained,” he said.
Other farmers who spoke with NAN shared similar experiences and appealed to the government to support them with farm inputs to enable them return to agricultural activities.
They also urged relevant stakeholders to assist fishermen in the community by promoting fish farming as an alternative source of livelihood.