Rampaging Elephant Kills Farmer in Ijebu East
A tragic incident has rocked the quiet farming community of Itasin-Imobi in Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State, as a wild elephant reportedly killed a local farmer, Musa Kalamu, in a devastating attack that has left residents reeling in fear.
According to local sources, the incident occurred on Monday when the elephant, believed to have wandered from a nearby government-reserved forest, stormed Mr. Kalamu’s farmland and attacked him viciously. The farmer was reportedly rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries on the way.
“This elephant keeps coming into our community to destroy our crops, damage our fishing nets, and now, it has taken a life,” a visibly distressed resident lamented. “We’ve been crying out for help for over four years, but no meaningful action has been taken.”
Residents described the elephant as a recurring threat to their livelihoods, saying it has repeatedly trespassed into farmlands, causing extensive damage and inciting panic. The death of Mr. Kalamu has now escalated fears of further attacks, with locals calling on the state government and relevant wildlife authorities to take immediate and decisive action.
Confirming the incident, the Ogun State Commissioner for Forestry, Hon. Taiwo Oludotun, expressed concern and assured the public that officials are already responding to the emergency.
“Yes, we are aware, and we are already on our way to the community,” the Commissioner stated, promising that steps would be taken to address the situation and prevent future occurrences.
Similarly, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, confirmed the development in a statement issued via WhatsApp on Tuesday.
He said, “The DPO Ogbere received information from Itasin community on 28/07/2025 at about 1620hrs that elephants escaped from government reserve and attacked one Musa Kalamu, who died on the way to the hospital.”
As investigations continue and emergency officials assess the scene, the people of Itasin-Imobi are left grieving the loss of one of their own, while anxiously awaiting government intervention to tame the wildlife menace.
The incident has reignited debates on the safety of communities bordering forest reserves and the urgent need for sustainable wildlife management policies in Ogun State and across Nigeria.
