Edo Govt Condemns Killing of Endangered Hippopotamus in Anegbete

The Edo State Forestry Commission has condemned in strong terms the killing of a hippopotamus in Anegbete community, Etsako Central Local Government Area, describing the act as a huge setback to wildlife conservation and tourism development in the state.

Chairman of the Commission, Valentine Asuen, in a statement on Sunday, said the incident represented not just the loss of a rare animal, but also the loss of a potential source of education, tourism, and sustainable livelihood for the people of Anegbete and Edo State at large.

“This amphibious animal is not only an endangered species, but also a potential source of tourism, education, and sustainable livelihood for the Anegbete community, the state, and the nation in general. The killing of this hippopotamus is beyond the loss of a species; it is the loss of a rare opportunity,” Asuen lamented.

The forestry boss explained that hippopotamuses, though not commonly found across Nigeria, play an important ecological role in riverine communities where they help maintain aquatic ecosystems. He added that in many parts of the world, hippos have become tourist attractions that generate income for local communities through ecotourism initiatives.

“As a government, we are working towards building a sustainable model of tourism that integrates wildlife conservation. Unfortunately, the killing of this animal undermines that effort. This was an opportunity for Anegbete to host one of the rarest animals in Nigeria and possibly attract visitors, researchers, and investors. Now, that opportunity has been lost,” he said.

Asuen further stated that the Commission will intensify awareness campaigns in rural communities to educate residents about the importance of preserving endangered species.

He urged community leaders, hunters, and local residents to work with government agencies to ensure the protection of rare animals within their environments.

“We must move away from a culture of destroying what we do not understand. These species are national assets, and their preservation is for the benefit of future generations,” he added.

The Commission also warned that laws protecting endangered species would be strictly enforced. Under Nigeria’s environmental protection regulations, the hunting and killing of endangered animals such as hippopotamuses is prohibited and attracts penalties ranging from heavy fines to imprisonment.

Environmental experts have also expressed concern over the killing, noting that Nigeria has in recent years lost significant numbers of its endangered wildlife due to poaching, habitat destruction, and weak enforcement of conservation laws.

They stress that protecting animals like hippopotamuses is vital, not only for biodiversity, but also for climate resilience and community development.

Community leaders in Anegbete were yet to issue an official response at the time of this report, but local sources disclosed that the hippopotamus had lived within the riverbanks in the area for years and was well-known to fishermen and residents.

The Edo State Government, through the Forestry Commission, assured that it would strengthen collaboration with security agencies and conservation partners to prevent similar incidents in the future, while urging residents to see endangered animals as resources to be protected rather than destroyed.