Borno State Government has said a herd of elephants that allegedly strayed from the neighbouring Cameroon invaded and destroyed some community farmlands in the state.
A director in the State Ministry of Environment, Mr Ayuba Peter, confirmed the incident in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Maiduguri on Monday.
Peter said the incident had become perennial in the last five years in the area.
“We have been having reports of elephants destroying farmlands in Gamboru/Ngala and Kala-Balge Local Government Areas (LGAs) for the past five years.
“They used to come from a forest reserve in the neighbouring Cameroon Republic at this time and roam around, causing serious destruction to farmlands until flood water recedes around December,” Peter said.
He further said that the menace had been reported to the federal government through the National Park for urgent intervention.
He said that facilities, such as guns and firecrackers, are needed to scare the elephants away.
Peter said that efforts by the ministry were being frustrated by flooding, coupled with insecurity in the border communities.
He called for concerted efforts by various stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations, to permanently arrest the menace.
He also appealed to the government at all levels to give financial support to the farmers, whose farmlands were destroyed.
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