Panic has gripped the Itasin-Imobi community in Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State, following the death of a 49-year-old farmer, Yayah Musa Kalamu, who was reportedly trampled by a group of wild elephants on Monday.
The elephants, said to have migrated from the Omo Forest Reserve in the J4 area several years ago, have increasingly become a menace to residents.
Locals estimate that over 50 of the animals roam freely within the community’s forested areas, especially a location now commonly referred to as Igbo Erin — meaning “Elephant Forest.”
The elephants often stray into the village at night to feed on backyard crops and nearby farmland.
According to eyewitnesses, Kalamu had gone to the farm with his young son. After hours of work, they sat under a tree to rest when four elephants suddenly emerged and charged at them. The boy managed to escape and ran to the village to alert others.
By the time help arrived, Mr. Kalamu was found severely injured but still alive. He was rushed to the hospital but sadly died on the way.
This marks the third reported elephant attack in the community, but the first fatality. A previous victim survived with injuries last year, but residents say this latest tragedy shows the situation is escalating beyond control.
“The elephants come into our farms and even our homes at night. We are no longer safe,” “Now, one of us has paid the ultimate price. What more are we waiting for?”
Community leaders are appealing to the Ogun State Government and relevant wildlife authorities to take swift action by relocating the elephants and putting preventive measures in place to avoid future tragedies.
“The government needs to step in immediately,” “These elephants are no longer just wildlife; they’ve become a serious threat to human life.”
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