The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has condemned the killing of a hippopotamus in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State, describing it as unlawful and a blow to Nigeria’s declining wildlife population.
In a statement issued in Lagos, the organisation said the incident, allegedly carried out by a local vigilante group, highlights the ongoing threats facing endangered species in the country.
“We are deeply disturbed by the recent video showing the unlawful killing of a hippopotamus in Etsako Central LGA, Edo State by a local vigilante. We unequivocally condemn this act in the strongest terms,” the NCF said.
The animal, identified as Hippopotamus amphibius—commonly known as the common or river hippo—is listed as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. The NCF estimates that only about 100 remain in Nigeria.
The Foundation also noted the extinction of the pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis heslopi), a native subspecies once found in the Niger Delta.
“The killing of a hippo—especially one from such a diminishing population—is not only a violation of national wildlife protection laws but also a blow to our nation’s natural heritage,” the statement read. “Even when such acts are borne out of fear or economic desperation, they remain illegal and immoral.”
NCF Director General, Dr. Joseph Onoja, linked the incident to wider environmental pressures.
“The hippo’s death did not happen in a vacuum. It is the consequence of habitat destruction and climate-driven environmental changes,” he said. “The collapse of freshwater habitats, coupled with flooding and shrinking grazing areas, is straining the fragile balance between humans and wildlife, often ending in loss of life—both human and animal.”
Dr. Onoja explained that hippopotamuses play an important role in maintaining wetland health and supporting biodiversity.
He called on citizens, community leaders and traditional authorities to reject wildlife crimes and adopt values of coexistence and conservation.
The NCF identified habitat loss, poaching for meat and ivory-like teeth, human-wildlife conflict, and pollution as the major threats to hippo survival.
It noted that while some African countries, such as Zambia, have recorded population increases, others, including Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, have experienced declines of up to 98%.
Hippos have been listed as vulnerable since 2006, but the NCF said weak enforcement, the ivory trade and bushmeat demand continue to drive killings.
The Foundation said the Edo State incident underscores the urgent need for stronger protections, community engagement, and enforcement to safeguard Nigeria’s endangered species.
