By Charles Pemu 
ABUJA—A humanitarian and food security crisis is rapidly unfolding in Gombe State, where relentless and deadly hippopotamus attacks are terrorizing riverine communities. The crisis was brought to the floor of the House of Representatives by the lawmaker representing Yamaltu/Deba Federal Constituency, Inuwa Garba (PDP), who tabled a motion of urgent public importance to secure Federal Government intervention.
Addressing the plenary session presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, Garba lamented the recurrent and fatal encounters between the wild animals and his constituents, primarily fishermen and farmers whose livelihoods depend on the rivers and farmlands. He cited a specific tragic incident on October 5, where a canoe was attacked, resulting in the death of one Yahaya Bawa and injuries to several others.
The lawmaker emphasized that the constant presence of the hippos, though a natural part of the local wildlife ecosystem, has instilled widespread panic, forcing many residents to abandon their means of livelihood. This abandonment is directly worsening poverty and aggravating the already fragile food security situation within the constituency. Garba warned his colleagues that if left unchecked, the continuous attacks risk escalating into a major humanitarian and economic collapse, potentially leading to the desertion of the entire area and setting in a wave of food insufficiency.
Following the passionate plea, the House adopted the motion and issued a series of directives to federal agencies. To facilitate safer movement and economic activity, the House directed the Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC) to immediately provide motorized boats for farmers and residents in the riverine areas.
Furthermore, the House urged the Federal Government to establish an immediate inter-agency committee comprising the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and HYPPADEC. This committee’s mandate is to assess the extent of the damage inflicted by the hippos, provide urgent relief materials, and compensate the affected families. The resolution also calls for collaboration with relevant wildlife and environmental agencies to design and implement sustainable measures that control the animals’ movement and protect citizens.
Finally, the House mandated its own Committees on HYPPADEC, Water Resources, and Agricultural Production and Services to embark on a fact-finding visit to the communities to conduct an on-the-spot assessment and recommend lasting solutions to the persistent human-wildlife conflict.