The Borno State Ministry of Environment’s Forestry and Wildlife Department has reported that a herd of elephants, allegedly straying from neighboring Cameroon, has invaded and destroyed farmlands in several communities in the state.
In an interview in Maiduguri on Monday, Ayuba Peter, a director in the ministry, confirmed the recurring issue, noting that this has been happening for the past five years.
“We have received reports of elephants destroying farmlands in Gamboru/Ngala and Kala-Balge Local Government Areas (LGAs) over the last five years. These elephants typically migrate from a forest reserve in Cameroon and roam the area, causing serious damage to farmlands until the floodwaters recede around December,” Peter explained.
He added that the ministry has reported the problem to the Federal Government through the National Park Service, seeking urgent intervention. Peter emphasized the need for deterrent tools such as guns and firecrackers to scare the elephants away. However, efforts to address the issue have been hampered by flooding and the ongoing insecurity in border communities.
Peter called for collective action from various stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations, to permanently resolve the issue. He also appealed to the government at all levels to provide financial assistance to farmers whose farmlands have been destroyed.
In a letter to Governor Babagana Zulum, community leader Baba Hassan from Ngala expressed concern over the impact of the elephants on local farmers. He noted that farmers have suffered significant financial losses, amounting to millions of naira, due to the destruction of their crops.
“The recent invasion of farmlands by elephants has resulted in the destruction of vast hectares of crops that farmers depend on for their livelihood. The situation has left these people in despair and hopelessness as their farms are trampled and consumed by these destructive creatures,” Hassan said.
He urged the government to intervene immediately, as the continued threat posed by the elephants endangers both food security and the economy of the affected communities. He also suggested setting up barriers, employing trained personnel to prevent the elephants from encroaching on farmlands, and launching community awareness programs on elephant behavior and habitat protection.
Other affected farmers, including Bunu Modu and Musa Ali of Gamboru/Ngala LGA, expressed their frustration over the recurring invasions. Similarly, farmers Allamin Hassan and Hala Idris, who also experienced significant losses, called on both the State and Federal Governments to take immediate action to resolve the crisis.
They warned that unless something is done soon, farmers may be forced to confront the elephants themselves.
