Elephants kill man in the Ogun Forest area

The tension grabbed the residents of the Itasin community in the area of the local local government of Ijebu in the state of Ogun following the tragic killing of a 49 -year -old man, Musa Yahaya Kala, from a pack of elephants on Monday.

According to reports, the deceased, identified as a farmer and logger, was attacked while working in a forest reserve within the area, which was long known for the recurring conflicts of human wildlife.

According to local sources, Kala had ventured into the forest, presumably for deforestation activities, when he met a group of elephants.

While his son, who accompanied him, fled for a short time, Kala was trampled on death by animals.

The accident aroused a widespread indignation among the residents who accused the government of negligence in safeguarding life and applying conservation laws.

Confirmation of the tragedy, Hon. Owode Waliu Ifedolapo, the member who represents the East Electoral College of Ijebu in the House of Assembly of the State of Ogun, has expressed profound concern for the growing cases of clashes of human elephants in the area.

“Ocular witnesses said the victim lay under a tree when the elephants went down to him. It is a heartbreaking accident,” said the legislator.

He urged the state government to act quickly to prevent further losses of lives and protect both human beings and wildlife.

A local conservation expert who is familiar with elephant activity in the region described animals as “delicate giants”, adding that the attack was probably triggered by the use of a chainsaw in a protected area.

“These elephants feed mainly of trees cortex. Usually they do not attack if not caused. The forest is their habitat and deforestation is prohibited in that area,” explained the expert.

State Commissioner of Ogun for Silviciculture, Hon. Taiwo Oudutun, he also confirmed death, describing the scene as a protected conservation area that covers over 4,000 hectares.

“The elephants killed a person. We are currently on the site to evaluate the situation, sympathize with the family and trace a way to follow,” said Oludun.

The latter accident has rekindled the debate on the application of environmental laws and on the safety of the communities that live near the conservation areas.

Residents ask for more patrols, public awareness and greater collaboration between government agencies and traditional leaders to prevent future tragedies.

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