Borno Farmlands Destroyed as Stray Elephants from Cameroon Encroach on Communities

A herd of elephants, believed to have strayed from neighboring Cameroon, has invaded several communities in Borno State, causing widespread destruction to local farmlands, according to the Ministry of Environment’s Forestry and Wildlife Department.

Ayuba Peter, a Director in the ministry, confirmed the incident during an interview in Maiduguri on Monday. He noted that the problem has persisted over the past five years, particularly affecting the Gamboru/Ngala and Kala-Balge Local Government Areas (LGAs).

“We have received recurring reports of elephants destroying farmlands in these areas for the last five years. They come from a forest reserve in Cameroon during this period and roam until floodwaters recede around December, causing significant damage to farmlands,” Peter said.

The ministry has reported the issue to the Federal Government, seeking intervention through the National Park Service. Peter emphasized the urgent need for deterrent measures, such as firearms and firecrackers, to scare the elephants away. However, he acknowledged that efforts to address the problem have been hindered by flooding and ongoing insecurity in the border communities.

Peter called for a unified response from various stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations, to find a permanent solution to the elephant invasion. He also appealed to the government at all levels to provide financial assistance to farmers whose livelihoods have been severely affected.

In a letter to Governor Babagana Zulum, a community leader from Ngala, Baba Hassan, urged the state government to take swift action. Hassan expressed deep concern over the economic impact on farmers, who have suffered millions of naira in losses due to the destruction of their crops.

“The recent invasion has led to the destruction of vast hectares of farmland that local farmers rely on for their survival. The despair and hopelessness they feel as their crops are destroyed are unimaginable,” Hassan stated. He warned that the situation threatens both food security and the local economy.

In his letter, Hassan recommended erecting barriers and employing trained personnel to prevent the elephants from entering farmlands. He also suggested community awareness programs to educate residents on elephant behavior and the importance of habitat protection.

Other farmers in the affected areas, such as Bunu Modu and Musa Ali of Gamboru/Ngala, echoed Hassan’s concerns, describing the repeated destruction of their farms as disheartening. Allamin Hassan and Hala Idris also reported significant losses and appealed for immediate intervention from the State and Federal Governments.

With the mounting frustration among farmers, many are worried that if no action is taken soon, they may be forced to take matters into their own hands and confront the elephants directly.