Stray Elephant Kills Farmer in Ogun, Sparks Renewed Calls for Government Action
Residents say wild elephants from forest reserve have long threatened lives and farmlands in Ijebu East community
Tragedy struck in the Itasin-Imobi community of Ijebu East Local Government Area, Ogun State, on Monday, when a stray elephant from a nearby government forest reserve fatally attacked a local farmer, Musa Kalamu.
According to residents, the elephant, believed to have wandered out of its protected habitat, charged at Kalamu while he worked on his farm. A video circulating on social media captured the gruesome aftermath, showing the victim’s lifeless body as villagers expressed their grief and fear.
“This is Kala, he was attacked by the elephant at Onitasin… his body is torn, even his intestines are out,” a voice in the video lamented.
Villagers say this isn’t the first time elephants have ventured into the community, damaging crops, destroying fishing equipment, and threatening lives. Monday’s fatal incident, they say, was a disaster long in the making.
“This elephant keeps coming into our community to destroy our crops and now, it has taken a life,” one distressed villager said, urging authorities to act swiftly to prevent further tragedies.
Confirming the incident, Ogun State Commissioner for Forestry, Taiwo Oludotun, stated that officials are already on their way to assess the situation and address the threat.
Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Lanre Ogunlowo, confirmed that Kalamu died on the way to the hospital after sustaining fatal injuries from the elephant’s attack.
“The DPO in Ogbere received a distress call from the Itasin community on July 28 at about 4:20 pm, reporting the elephant attack. Ogun State Forestry officers have been contacted to contain the animal and restore safety,” Ogunlowo said.
Residents continue to plead with the state government for lasting measures to protect them from recurring wildlife incursions, which they say have gone unchecked for years.
