The elephants have been attacking civilians, and as a result, farmers have been forced to flee their properties out of fear.
In the Boki Local Government Area of Cross River, wild elephants have reportedly killed residents and ruined farmlands. This has prompted a member of the House of Representatives named Victor Abang (APC, Cross River) to express his worries on the invasion of farmlands and communities by these elephants.
The elephants have been attacking civilians, and as a result, farmers have been forced to flee their properties out of fear.
Abang regretted this while speaking on a motion that was of urgent public significance. As a response, the House of Representatives requested the relevant authorities, particularly the Nigerian Park Management Service (NIPS), to work along with their colleagues in Cameroon and deploy wildlife experts in order to place the elephants under control and prevent any additional destruction.
Abang stated, “between January 6-15 and from February 8, 2025, till date, rampaging wild elephants have been invading Bamba, Butatong, and surrounding communities in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State, killing citizens and destroying farmlands, economic trees, and crops worth millions of naira.
“This alarming situation, caused by these wild animals from the forest areas of Okwangwo Division of Cross River National Park and Takamanda National Park in Cameroon, has brought untold hardship and fear to our people. Many farmers can no jonger access their farmlands due to the constant threat posed by these dangerous creatures.
“The Cross River National Park, particularly the Okwangwo Division which is the affected area under its purview—remains the only surviving rainforest in Nigeria and represents the government’s sole deliberate effort to conserve this vital ecosystem.
“These communities, where lives were lost, and crops and livelihoods destroyed are an integral part of Nigeria and have lived in this area since the precolonial era. They deserve the full protection and support of the government.
“The continued killing of citizens and destruction of farmlands by these elephants has severely impacted the local economy and food security. Even as we speak, these wild animals continue to ravage farmlands in Bamba and surrounding communities in Eastern Boki, worsening the plight of our people.
“If urgent measures are not taken by relevant authorities to protect the affected communities and their farmlands, frustrated locals may resort to self-help, endangering both human lives and the already threatened elephant population.”