Farmer Killed by Stray Elephants in Ogun State, Nigeria, Highlighting Human-Wildlife Conflict
A tragic incident in Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria, has seen a farmer identified as Musa Kalamu killed by a herd of stray elephants. The fatal encounter occurred on Monday, July 28, 2025, at Onitasin Imobi in the Ijebu East Local Council, raising renewed alarm over escalating human-wildlife conflict in the region.
Details of the Tragic Incident:
Victim: The deceased has been identified as Musa Kalamu, a 49-year-old farmer and logger.
Date and Time: The attack reportedly took place around 4:20 PM (1620hrs) on Monday, July 28, 2025.
Location: The incident occurred at Onitasin Imobi, a community located within the Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State. This area is reportedly close to or within a government-reserved forest.
Circumstances: According to local sources and police reports, a herd of elephants, believed to have strayed from the Queen Elizabeth Elephant section of a government forest reserve, attacked Kalamu while he was reportedly on his farm or attempting to move illegal logs within what is clarified as a conservation area. Some reports indicate he was with his son, who fortunately managed to escape the attack.
Fatal Injuries: Kalamu sustained severe injuries during the attack and tragically died while being rushed to the hospital. A disturbing video, which has since circulated, reportedly shows his lifeless body with severe injuries.
Number of Elephants: While reports initially mentioned a "wandering elephant" or "a herd," the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, stated that six stray elephants were involved in the attack.
OOfficial Responses and Community Concerns:
Police Confirmation: The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, confirmed the tragic incident. He stated that the Ogbere Divisional Police Officer (DPO) received information from the Itasin community about the attack. Police detectives swiftly visited the scene.
Forestry Ministry's Statement: The Ogun State Commissioner for Forestry, Taiwo Oludotun, also confirmed the incident. He clarified that the area where the attack occurred is a designated conservation zone strictly meant for wildlife, particularly elephants, and not for farming or logging. Oludotun stated that despite numerous warnings, sensitization campaigns, and even the demolition of illegal settlements, people continue to encroach upon these protected areas for activities like logging. He emphasized that officials from the agency were immediately dispatched to the community to assess the situation and curtail the animals from causing further damage.
I Call for Calm and Action: Both the police and the Commissioner for Forestry have called for calm among the grieving residents, acknowledging the fear and anger such a tragedy can cause. Local community members expressed frustration, stating that "The problem with these elephants is too much in our community," citing recurring instances of crop destruction and damage to fishing nets over the past four years.
Legislator's Condolence: The member representing Ijebu East Constituency in the House of Assembly, Owode Ifedolapo, extended sympathies to Kalamu's family, urging the state government to act swiftly on the recurring issue.
Human-Wildlife Conflict: The incident is a stark illustration of the growing human-wildlife conflict in Nigeria. As farmlands expand and human settlements encroach closer to natural habitats and forest reserves, wild animals, including elephants, are increasingly straying into human communities, leading to conflicts that result in damage to property, crops, and, tragically, loss of human life. This comes on the heels of another recent incident where a hippopotamus, displaced by flooding, killed a person in Adamawa State.
Authorities have urged communities living near forest reserves to remain vigilant and promptly report any wildlife sightings to prevent further tragedies, while also appealing for cooperation regarding the non-encroachment of conservation areas. The incident highlights the urgent need for sustainable land-use planning and effective strategies for coexistence between humans and wildlife.
