The Borno State Ministry of Environment has confirmed that a herd of elephants, believed to have strayed from neighbouring Cameroon, has invaded and destroyed farmlands in several communities within the state.
Ayuba Peter, a Director in the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife, disclosed the incident during an interview with newsmen in Maiduguri on Monday, September 9, 2024.
According to Peter, this has been a recurring issue over the last five years, with communities in Gamboru/Ngala and Kala-Balge Local Government Areas being most affected.
“We have been receiving reports of elephants destroying farmlands in these areas for the past five years,” Peter said. “They come from a forest reserve in Cameroon around this time of the year, roaming and causing serious destruction to farmlands until the floodwaters recede around December.”
The Ministry has already reported the issue to the Federal Government through the National Park Service, seeking urgent intervention.
Peter emphasized that necessary tools, such as firearms and firecrackers, are needed to scare the elephants away and prevent further damage.
Efforts by the ministry to address the situation are being hampered by seasonal flooding and ongoing insecurity in the affected border communities.
Peter called for collaboration between the government, NGOs, and other stakeholders to find a permanent solution to the menace.
He also urged authorities to provide financial support to farmers whose livelihoods have been devastated by the destruction of their crops.