Hippopotamus Kills Emir’s Guard in Kebbi

Malam Usman Maigadi, a 60-year-old guard at Orchard Farm, owned by the Emir of Yauri, Dr. Muhammad Zayyanu-Abdullahi was found dead on Sunday at Kebbi State. The News Agency of Nigeria reported that a mother hippopotamus, protecting her baby, attacked Maigadi while he was fishing in the Yauri River at Tillo Village in Yauri Local Government Area.

Eyewitnesses suggest that the hippopotamus may have perceived Maigadi as a threat to her baby, leading to the fatal attack in self-defense.

The Chairman of the Local Government, Alhaji Abubakar Shu’aibu, confirmed that Maigadi has been buried according to Islamic rites in Yauri, following a funeral prayer. Governor Nasir Idris expressed his condolences to the Yauri Emirate and the deceased’s family, urging them to accept the will of the Almighty in good faith. The governor also prayed for Allah to forgive Maigadi’s shortcomings and grant him Jannatul Firdaus.

The incident has birthed lots of reactions from the community, with some calling for the hippopotamus to be hunted and others advocating for its protection. However, experts emphasize the importance of respecting wildlife and their habitats to prevent such tragedies.