A 60-year-old guard at Orchard Farm, Kebbi State, Malam Usman Maigadi, has been tragically killed by a hippopotamus while fishing in Yauri River, Kebbi State. The incident, which occurred in Tillo Village, Yauri Local Government Area of the state, has left the community in shock.
The guard, who was employed at the farm owned by the Emir of Yauri, Dr. Muhammad Zayyanu-Abdullahi, was reportedly attacked by a mother hippopotamus. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the animal may have felt that its baby was in danger, leading to the deadly attack.
Maigadi, like many in the Yauri area, was known to fish in the local rivers. The rivers, including the Yauri River, are home to a variety of wildlife, including hippopotamuses. Hippopotamuses are usually calm but can become aggressive when they feel threatened, particularly when protecting their young.
On the day of the attack, Maigadi was fishing in the river when the mother hippo charged at him. Eyewitnesses believe that the animal might have seen Maigadi as a threat to its baby, and in an attempt to protect the calf, it launched the fatal attack.
Tragically, Maigadi was unable to escape in time and sustained fatal injuries. His death has shocked the community, especially as encounters with hippopotamuses, while not uncommon, rarely result in such deadly outcomes.
Hippopotamuses are among the most dangerous animals in Africa, despite their often slow and calm appearance. They are large, powerful, and territorial, especially around rivers where they live and raise their young. While they spend most of their time in water, they can be highly aggressive when they feel that their space or offspring are threatened.
This was likely the case in the attack that claimed the life of Maigadi. Female hippopotamuses are known to be particularly protective of their calves. When a perceived threat comes too close, these animals do not hesitate to charge in self-defense. Their size and speed can make them deadly, especially for anyone caught off guard.
The people of Yauri have expressed deep sadness over Maigadi’s death. As a guard at Orchard Farm, owned by the Emir, Maigadi was well-known and respected. His death is seen as a great loss to the community.
The Chairman of Yauri Local Government, Abubakar Shu’aibu, confirmed that Maigadi was buried according to Islamic rites. His funeral took place in Yauri, where family members, friends, and community leaders gathered to mourn his loss. The funeral prayer, a key part of Islamic tradition, was held before the burial.
Shu’aibu offered his condolences to Maigadi’s family and praised the deceased for his dedication to his duties and the community. He also acknowledged the deep sorrow felt by many in the community over this unfortunate incident.
Following the news of Maigadi’s death, the Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and the entire Yauri Emirate. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ahmed Idris, the governor expressed sympathy for the tragic loss.
Idris urged the family of Maigadi to take heart and accept the event as the will of the Almighty. He called on them to remain strong in their faith during this difficult time. The governor also acknowledged the contribution of Maigadi to the community, especially in his role as a guard at the Emir’s farm.
“On behalf of the government and people of Kebbi State, I express my deep condolences to the Emir of Yauri, Dr. Muhammad Zayyanu-Abdullahi, and the family of the late Malam Usman Maigadi. It is a tragic loss, and we pray that the Almighty grants his family the strength to bear the pain,” the governor said.
This tragic event highlights the challenges of living near wildlife-rich areas such as Yauri River. While these rivers provide food and livelihood for many, they are also home to dangerous animals like the hippopotamus. Human-wildlife conflict is a growing issue in many parts of Africa, particularly in rural areas where people rely on natural water sources for farming, fishing, and daily activities.
Hippopotamuses, though herbivores, are responsible for more human deaths in Africa than any other large animal. Their unpredictable nature, especially when they are with their young, makes them a constant threat in areas where humans and animals share space.
Local authorities are likely to face increasing pressure to ensure that people living near rivers or wildlife habitats are educated on the dangers of wildlife and how to stay safe. In particular, there may be more efforts to create awareness about the behavior of animals like hippos to prevent further incidents.
