A wandering herd of elephants from a government-reserved forest has reportedly killed a farmer, Musa Kalamu, in Onitasin Imobi, located in the Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The tragic incident, which occurred on Monday, was confirmed by the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo. In a graphic video that surfaced online on Tuesday, the lifeless body of the middle-aged farmer was seen with severe injuries, including exposed intestines.
Disturbed residents in the video could be heard lamenting the recurring menace of elephants in their community, pleading with the state government to intervene. “The problem with these elephants is too much in our community,” one of the locals cried out.
According to the police commissioner, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ogbere received a distress call around 4:20 p.m. from the Itasin community, reporting that a group of elephants had strayed from the forest reserve and attacked Kalamu. The victim reportedly died while being rushed to the hospital.
“The DPO Ogbere received information from Itasin community on Monday at about 1620hrs that elephants escaped from Government Reserve and attacked one Musa Kalamu who died on the way to the hospital,” Ogunlowo said. He added that officers of the Ogun State Forestry Department were immediately contacted to contain the animals and prevent further danger.
Confirming the incident, Commissioner for Forestry, Taiwo Oludotun, stated that his team was already mobilised to the affected area. “Yes, we are aware and we are already on our way to the community,” he said.
Calm has reportedly returned to the area following the intervention of forestry officials, but locals remain on edge amid fears of more elephant incursions.