A hippopotamus believed to have attacked and killed a fisherman in Banjiram, Guyuk Local Government Area of Adamawa State, was hunted down and killed by residents of Shelleng town last week.

The incident followed several weeks of tension in riverside communities along the River Gongola, where displaced hippopotamuses had reportedly entered farmlands and settlements. According to local authorities, the animals were driven from their habitat due to seasonal flooding and reduced grazing areas.

Chairman of Guyuk Local Government, Shalom Kassa, confirmed the fatality, stating, “He was fishing when the hippo attacked. We have warned people to stay away from the riverbanks, but these creatures are unpredictable when displaced.”

In response to the attacks, residents said they avoided riverbanks, kept children away from water sources, and suspended fishing activities.

The hippopotamus was later sighted near Shelleng town. Hunters and vigilante groups mobilised and tracked the animal down. After several hours, they succeeded in killing it using local methods.

Community members opted not to waste the carcass. The meat was divided among households, sold in portions, and prepared by residents.

“It took one of ours,” said a Shelleng resident handling portions of the meat. “Now it feeds many of us.”

Conservationists have warned that such incidents stem from larger environmental challenges. One wildlife expert stated, “This should not be seen as a victory, but a wake-up call. These hippos don’t attack without reason. Their homes are vanishing.”

Residents in Guyuk and Shelleng remain cautious, with the recent events highlighting ongoing struggles between wildlife displacement and human habitation.