A tragic incident has been reported in Ogun State, where a farmer lost his life after an encounter with a stray elephant.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the fatal attack occurred in the Imobi area of Ijebu East Local Government Area, where a wild elephant believed to have strayed from a government forest reserve trampled a local farmer.
Eyewitnesses in the community said the elephant appeared without warning and launched an aggressive charge at the unsuspecting farmer, killing him before help could arrive.
As of press time, the identity of the deceased farmer has not been officially disclosed.
Residents of Imobi have expressed shock and fear, stating that such an incident is unprecedented in the area’s recent history.
The Ogun State Commissioner for Forestry, Mr. Taiwo Oludotun, confirmed the incident in a brief statement to Punch newspaper.
“Yes, we are aware and we are already on our way to the community,” Oludotun said, without disclosing further details.
The commissioner added that a team from the state government is already moving to assess the situation and ensure safety within the area.
While wild animals, including elephants, occasionally stray from forest reserves in search of food or water, fatal encounters with humans remain rare in southern Nigeria.
This incident has sparked concern over the management of government forest reserves and the safety of surrounding rural communities.
Local security operatives and environmental officials are expected to commence an investigation and possibly initiate measures to prevent future wildlife attacks.
As of the time of filing this report, no official statement has been issued by the Ogun State Police Command.
This tragic event adds to ongoing conversations around rural safety, environmental encroachment, and the rising tension between humans and wildlife in Nigeria’s forest-bordering communities.
More details will follow as authorities continue their response to the tragedy.
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