Elephant Invasion Wreaks Havoc on Borno Community Farmlands

Maiduguri, Borno State – A recurring problem has plagued the northern Nigerian state of Borno, as a herd of elephants allegedly strayed from the neighboring Cameroon Republic has destroyed farmlands in some communities. The incident is not a new phenomenon, as it has been reported annually for the past five years.

According to Mr. Ayuba Peter, a director in the State Ministry of Environment, the elephants invade the Gamboru/Ngala and Kala-Balge Local Government Areas (LGAs) around this time every year, causing significant damage to farmlands until floodwater recedes around December. Peter spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday, providing insight into the situation.

"We have been having reports of elephants destroying farmlands in these areas for the past five years," Peter confirmed. "They come from a forest reserve in Cameroon Republic and roam around, causing serious destruction to farmlands until flood water recedes around December."

The Borno State Government has reported the incident to the federal government through the National Park, seeking urgent intervention. To deter the elephants, Peter emphasized the need for facilities such as guns and firecrackers.

However, the state government’s efforts to mitigate the problem have been hampered by flooding and insecurity in the border communities, Peter lamented. As a result, he is calling for a concerted effort by various stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations, to permanently address the menace.

Peter also appealed to the government at all levels to provide financial support to the affected farmers, whose livelihoods have been disrupted by the elephant invasions. It remains to be seen if the authorities will take concrete action to address this recurring problem and protect the community’s farmlands.