Yauri, Kebbi State – A local fisherman met a tragic end on Sunday when he was attacked and killed by a hippopotamus at the Yauri River. The victim, identified as Malam Usman Mai Gadi, was engaged in his routine fishing activities when the unexpected and fatal encounter occurred, leaving the community in mourning and raising questions about human-wildlife conflict in the region.
On what began as a typical Sunday morning in Yauri, a small town nestled along the banks of the Yauri River in Kebbi State, tragedy struck at approximately 10:30 AM. Malam Usman Mai Gadi, a well-known figure in the community, had set out for his usual fishing expedition, unaware of the danger that lurked beneath the river’s surface.
Local eyewitnesses, still visibly shaken by the incident, recounted the horrifying moment when the hippopotamus emerged from the water. Abubakar Shehu, a fellow fisherman who was nearby when the attack occurred, described the scene:
“It happened so fast. One moment, Malam Usman was casting his net, and the next, this massive hippo just lunged out of the water. We heard his screams, but by the time we could react, it was too late.”
Another witness, Fatima Aliyu, who was washing clothes by the riverbank, added, “The hippo seemed unusually aggressive. We’ve seen them before, but they usually keep their distance. This time was different.”
Local wildlife experts have proposed a theory to explain the hippopotamus’s uncharacteristic aggression. Dr. Ibrahim Suleiman, a zoologist from the nearby Kebbi State University, suggested that maternal instincts might have played a role in the attack.
“Our initial investigations indicate that this particular hippopotamus had recently given birth,” Dr. Suleiman explained. “It’s possible that the animal perceived Malam Usman as a threat to her calf, triggering an aggressive defensive response.”
This theory aligns with observations from locals who reported seeing a young hippo calf in the area in recent days.
As the community grapples with the loss, a picture emerges of Malam Usman Mai Gadi as a hardworking individual who wore multiple hats to support his family. Prior to his untimely death, Usman served as a watchman for the Emir of Yauri’s Orchard Farms, a position he held with pride.
Yakubu Hassan, a colleague at the Orchard Farms, spoke fondly of Usman: “He was always the first to arrive and the last to leave. Malam Usman took his duties seriously, but he was also a kind and helpful person.”
To supplement his income, Usman would often spend his free time fishing in the Yauri River, a common practice among locals in the area. This additional work was crucial in helping him make ends meet for his family.
The news of Malam Usman’s tragic death spread quickly through Yauri, leaving the community in shock and sorrow. By Sunday evening, hundreds of residents had gathered at the local mosque to offer prayers for the deceased.
Alhaji Muhammad Bello, the Imam of the central mosque in Yauri, led the prayers and offered words of comfort to the grieving family and community. Malam Usman was a devoted member of our community,” Alhaji Bello said. “His loss is felt deeply by all of us. We pray for strength for his family and for the protection of all our people.”
The incident has drawn attention from the highest levels of state government. In a statement released late Sunday night, Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased and the entire Yauri community.
The statement, signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Idris, read in part: “Governor Idris is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Malam Usman Mai Gadi. He extends his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, His Royal Highness the Emir of Yauri, and all the people of Yauri over this unfortunate incident.
The governor’s office also announced that a delegation would be sent to Yauri to meet with the family and local authorities to discuss measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
In accordance with Islamic tradition, Malam Usman Mai Gadi was laid to rest on Sunday evening. The funeral, attended by a large crowd of mourners, took place at the local cemetery in Yauri.
As the sun set over the Yauri River, casting long shadows across the town, friends and family gathered to pay their final respects. The air was thick with grief and the sound of prayers as Malam Usman was lowered into his final resting place.
This tragic incident has sparked important discussions about the coexistence of humans and wildlife in the region. Local authorities, in collaboration with wildlife experts, are now considering implementing new safety measures along the Yauri River.
Dr. Suleiman emphasized the need for a balanced approach: “While it’s crucial that we protect the local wildlife, including the hippopotamus population, we must also ensure the safety of our communities. This may involve designating certain areas as no-fishing zones, especially during hippo calving seasons.”
The local government has announced plans to hold a town hall meeting next week to discuss potential safety measures and to educate the community about wildlife behavior.
As Yauri comes to terms with the loss of Malam Usman Mai Gadi, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife and the importance of coexistence strategies in areas where humans and animals share habitats.
The tragic death of this hardworking fisherman and watchman has not only left a void in the hearts of his family and friends but has also prompted a broader conversation about safety, conservation, and the delicate balance between human activities and wildlife protection in the region.
As the community mourns, there is a growing resolve to honor Malam Usman’s memory by working towards solutions that will prevent such tragedies in the future, ensuring that the waters of the Yauri River remain a source of life and livelihood, rather than danger, for generations to come.
