Farmers in Hinna Community, Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State, have raised serious concerns over increasing hippo attacks on farmlands and threats to lives and livelihoods.
The alarm was raised on Monday, January 5, 2026, by Mr Zakari Ladan, Head of Farmers in Hinna Community, during an interview with newsmen.
Ladan said persistent attacks by hippopotamuses had led to massive destruction of crops and heightened fear among residents, noting that the animals now roam freely within farmlands and residential areas.
According to him, the population of hippos in the community has grown to more than 40, wreaking havoc on both farming and fishing activities.
He disclosed that from September 2025 to date, no fewer than 100 hectares of farmland cultivated with crops and vegetables had been destroyed by the animals.
Crops affected include rice, beans, cabbage, maize, carrots, okro, sweet melon, watermelon, onions and other vegetables, with total losses estimated at over ₦180 million.
“We are seriously worried about the hippos destroying our farmlands and livelihoods,” Ladan said.
“Currently, the population has grown to more than 40. They destroy crops and also kill people.
“From September 2025 till now, three persons have been killed in my community, while three others who sustained serious injuries are currently receiving treatment in Gombe.”
He added that a single hippo could destroy up to two hectares of farmland in a single day, making farming increasingly unsustainable.
Another farmer, Malam Haruna Hinna, said his carrot and okro farms had been completely destroyed by the animals.
He noted that one hectare of carrot farm alone was valued at about ₦1.7 million, describing the losses as devastating.
Hinna said farmers had repeatedly reported the situation to the state government, non-governmental organisations and other relevant authorities without receiving adequate intervention.
“We need urgent support from both the Federal and state governments. We are tired and financially exhausted,” he said.
Other farmers who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) shared similar experiences and appealed for immediate government assistance, including the provision of farm inputs to enable them return to farming.
They also urged relevant stakeholders to support fishermen in the community to adopt fish farming as an alternative source of livelihood, amid the growing threat posed by hippopotamus attacks.
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