Residents of Anegbette, Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State, witnessed a rare and historic event when a local vigilante successfully killed a massive hippopotamus that had been sighted near the community.
The incident, which has quickly become the talk of the town, marks one of the few recorded encounters of such a large wild animal in the area.
According to PM News, the hippopotamus was killed by a local vigilante, Patrick David, in the Okumuzo River, a tributary of the Alika River, along the road leading to Uromi. The animal, reported to be “three times bigger than a cow,” was a spectacle that left residents in awe. “It was a day they have never seen in their lives,” said Innocent Oshafi, a local resident, describing the unprecedented excitement in Anegbette. Videos captured at the scene showed fervor as youths chanted in their local dialect, pulling the massive creature from the shallow waters of the Okumuzo River.
The footage shows a communal effort to drag the hippopotamus to the riverbank, followed by scenes of young men butchering the animal amidst cheers and celebration. The sheer size of the beast, dwarfing even the largest cattle, underscored the significance of the vigilante’s feat. Patrick David, the vigilante credited with the kill, has become a local hero. While details of the encounter remain sparse, residents noted that the hippopotamus posed a potential threat to the community, as such animals are known for their aggression and can cause significant damage to crops and waterways.
For many in Anegbette, the event is a cause for pride and celebration, reflecting the community’s resilience and ability to confront challenges. The communal butchering of the animal suggests it may serve as a rare source of meat, a significant boon in a region where such resources can be scarce. David’s actions underscore the reliance on local protectors to address threats, whether human or animal.
