Panic and sorrow have gripped the Itasin-Imobi community in Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State following the death of a local farmer, Musa Kalamu, who was killed by a wandering elephant believed to have strayed from a government-reserved forest.
The tragic incident, which occurred on Monday, has intensified long-standing fears among residents who claim the animal has plagued the community for over four years, repeatedly destroying crops and damaging fishing equipment.
According to eyewitnesses, Kalamu, a middle-aged farmer, was working on his farmland when the wild elephant invaded the property and launched a fatal attack. Despite attempts to rush him to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries on the way.
“This elephant keeps coming into our community to destroy our crops, damage our fishing nets, and now, it has taken a life,” a distressed resident said, pleading for government intervention.
A disturbing video circulating on social media shows the victim’s lifeless body, with graphic injuries believed to have been inflicted by the animal. In the footage, villagers can be heard expressing their anguish and demanding urgent action from the authorities.
Confirming the incident, the Ogun State Commissioner for Forestry, Taiwo Oludotun, stated: “Yes, we are aware, and we are already on our way to the community.”
Also reacting, the State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, in a WhatsApp message sent on Tuesday, corroborated the incident. He reported that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ogbere received a distress call on July 28 at about 4:20 p.m. indicating that elephants had escaped from the government forest reserve and attacked Kalamu.
“Unfortunately, he died while being rushed to the hospital,” Ogunlowo said. “Officers from the Ogun State Forestry Department have been deployed to the area to manage the situation and prevent further harm. Calm has now returned to the community.”
The elephant menace has reignited calls for a comprehensive wildlife management strategy in the state. Locals say they have endured years of crop destruction and property loss, but this fatality marks a devastating escalation.
“This is no longer just a nuisance. It is a threat to our lives and livelihoods. The government must act decisively,” another resident urged.
As investigations continue, pressure is mounting on state authorities to address the human-wildlife conflict in affected rural communities, before another life is lost.
