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A group of wild elephants from a government-protected forest has attacked and killed a farmer named Musa Kalamu in Onitasin Imobi, located in the Ijebu East Local Council of Ogun State.
A disturbing video that emerged yesterday showed the middle-aged man's lifeless body with his intestines exposed.
In the video, local residents were heard calling for government assistance, expressing that the issue with the elephants has become overwhelming for their community.
The Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, confirmed the tragic event, stating that the Itasin community's residents notified the command at 4:20 pm on Monday.
He reported that the victim succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital.
"The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) for Ogbere received word from Itasin on Monday around 4:20 pm that elephants had escaped from a government reserve and assaulted Musa Kalamu, who died en route to the hospital.
Officers from Ogun State Forestry were summoned to manage the situation and ensure that the animals did not cause further harm; peace has since returned to the community."
Meanwhile, Forestry Commissioner Taiwo Oludotun acknowledged the incident and stated that agency officials were en route to the area.
Oludotun affirmed, "Yes, we are aware, and we are already on our way to the community."
Owode Ifedolapo, a member of the House of Assembly representing Ijebu East Constituency, expressed his condolences to Kalamu's family, noting that the 49-year-old farmer was known as a logger within the elephants' habitat.
Describing the event as tragic and shocking, the lawmaker offered prayers for strength and peace for the mourning family, encouraging the community to stay calm amidst the understandable fear and anger following such a tragedy.
"While we comprehend the pain and confusion this incident has incited, we call on our people to remain composed. The government is being urged to take prompt and durable action," he stated.
He implored the state government and relevant wildlife and environmental organizations to quickly investigate the incident's root causes and implement preventive measures to avert future occurrences.
Ifedolapo emphasized that the community should not live in fear of wildlife attacks and advocated for the swift establishment of a conservation development plan to manage human-wildlife interactions, protect lives and property, and preserve ecological balance.
"This tragedy underscores the pressing necessity for coordinated efforts among conservation groups, local government, and the state. Our communities must not exist in dread of wildlife encounters. We need to find a balance between conservation and safety," he added.
He reaffirmed his commitment to working with all stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of solutions and prevent future incidents, promising that this matter would be addressed in the House as part of initiatives to create lasting solutions to the tragedy.
