The Borno State Ministry of Environment’s Forestry and Wildlife Department has reported that a herd of elephants, allegedly straying from neighboring Cameroon, has invaded and destroyed farmlands in several communities.
Ayuba Peter, a Director in the ministry, confirmed the incident during an interview in Maiduguri on Monday, September 9, 2024. He noted that this issue has been recurring for the past five years in the affected areas.
“We’ve been receiving reports of elephants destroying farmlands in Gamboru/Ngala and Kala-Balge Local Government Areas for the last five years,” Peter said. “They typically come from a forest reserve in Cameroon around this time, roaming and causing severe destruction to farmlands until the floodwaters recede in December.”
Peter added that the ministry has reported the issue to the Federal Government, seeking urgent intervention from the National Park authorities. He emphasized the need for equipment like guns and firecrackers to drive the elephants away. However, efforts have been hampered by flooding and ongoing insecurity in the border areas.
Peter called for collaboration among stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations, to find a permanent solution to the problem. He also urged the government to provide financial aid to farmers whose farmlands have been destroyed.
In a letter to Governor Babagana Zulum, a community leader from Ngala, Baba Hassan, expressed concern over the farmers’ significant losses, estimated to be in the millions of naira. Hassan emphasized that the recent elephant invasion has devastated large areas of crops, threatening the livelihood of many residents.
“Government intervention is crucial to end this menace, which jeopardizes food security and the economic stability of these communities,” he said. “With already challenging conditions, including rising food prices and economic hardship, this incident has worsened the struggles of vulnerable community members.”
Hassan recommended building barriers, deploying trained personnel to prevent further encroachment, and creating community awareness programs about elephant behavior and habitat conservation.
Farmers in the affected areas, including Bunu Modu, Musa Ali, Allamin Hassan, and Hala Idris, expressed frustration over the repeated farm invasions. They appealed to both the State and Federal Governments to take immediate action, warning that farmers might be forced to confront the elephants if the situation continues.
