The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has raised alarm over the unlawful killing of an endangered hippopotamus in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State, warning that such acts threaten the survival of Nigeria’s dwindling wildlife population and undermine ongoing conservation efforts.
According to radionigerialagos.gov.ng, the incident, reportedly carried out by a local vigilante group, has sparked outrage among conservationists and environmental advocates across the country.
In a statement issued in Lagos, the NCF expressed deep concern over the act, labeling it as not only unlawful but also a tragic blow to Nigeria’s dwindling wildlife population.
“We are deeply disturbed by the recent video showing the unlawful killing of a hippopotamus in Etsako Central LGA, Edo State by a local vigilante. We unequivocally condemn this act in the strongest terms,” the Foundation stated.
The hippopotamus in question belongs to the species Hippopotamus amphibius, commonly known as the common or river hippo. The species is currently classified as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, with estimates suggesting that only about 100 individuals remain in Nigeria.
The NCF also highlighted the extinction of a native subspecies, the pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis heslopi), which once roamed the Niger Delta region but is now considered locally extinct.
“The killing of a hippo—especially one from such a diminishing population—is not only a violation of national wildlife protection laws but also a blow to our nation’s natural heritage,” the Foundation emphasized. “Even when such acts are borne out of fear or economic desperation, they remain illegal and immoral.”
Dr. Joseph Onoja, Director General of the NCF, contextualized the killing within broader environmental challenges, explaining that such incidents are symptoms of larger issues.
“The hippo’s death did not happen in a vacuum,” said Dr. Onoja. “It is the consequence of habitat destruction and climate-driven environmental changes. The collapse of freshwater habitats, coupled with flooding and shrinking grazing areas, is straining the fragile balance between humans and wildlife, often ending in loss of life—both human and animal.”
He further stressed the ecological role of hippopotamuses, noting that they contribute significantly to maintaining wetland health and supporting biodiversity.
The Foundation called on citizens, community leaders, and traditional authorities to take a firm stand against wildlife crimes and to embrace values of coexistence, compassion, and conservation.
Hippopotamuses are among Africa’s most iconic species, but their numbers are rapidly declining by an estimated 20–50% over the last two decades due to multiple human-induced threats.
Major threats include:
Habitat loss and fragmentation
Poaching for meat and ivory-like teeth
Human-wildlife conflict
Pollution and disease
While some countries like Zambia have seen a resurgence in hippo numbers—from 3,000 to approximately 17,000—others, such as Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, have suffered catastrophic declines of up to 98%.
Despite being protected, enforcement remains challenging. The ivory trade—especially from hippo teeth—and the demand for bushmeat continue to fuel illegal killings.
Since 2006, hippos have been on the IUCN’s list of vulnerable species. Conservationists argue that without stronger protections, enforcement, and community engagement, the species could face even more severe declines across its range.
The recent killing in Edo State has shed light once again on the fragile state of Nigeria’s wildlife and the urgent need for enhanced conservation efforts. The NCF’s condemnation serves as a clarion call to prioritize the protection of endangered species and preserve Nigeria’s rich but threatened natural heritage.
