The House of Representatives on Wednesday called on the management of the Nigerian Park Management Service (NIPS) to collaborate with their Cameroon counterparts to deploy Wildlife Experts to contain the wild elephants that destroy farmlands and kill Citizens in the Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State..
The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion on urgent public importance sponsored by Hon. Victor Abang who noted that farmers in the area can no longer go to the farm for fear of attack by the wild animals.
The House also asked the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide emergency relief materials to affected citizens to mitigate the hardship caused by this distressing incident.
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In his lead debate, Hon. Abang said “between January 6-15 and from February 8, 2025, till date, rampaging wild elephants have been invading Bamba, Butatong, and surrounding communities in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State, killing citizens and destroying farmlands, economic trees, and crops worth millions of naira.
“This alarming situation, caused by these wild animals from the forest areas of Okwangwo Division of Cross River National Park and Takamanda National Park in Cameroon, has brought untold hardship and fear to our people. Many farmers can no jonger access their farmlands due to the constant threat posed by these dangerous creatures.
“The Cross River National Park, particularly the Okwangwo Division which is the affected area under its purview, remains the only surviving rainforest in Nigeria and represents the government’s sole deliberate effort to conserve this vital ecosystem.
“These communities, where lives were lost, and crops and livelihoods destroyed are an integral part of Nigeria and have lived in this area since the precolonial era. They deserve the full protection and support of the government.
“The continued killing of citizens and destruction of farmlands by these elephants has severely impacted the local economy and food security. Even as we speak, these wild animals continue to ravage farmlands in Bamba and surrounding communities in Eastern Boki, worsening the plight of our people.
“If urgent measures are not taken by relevant authorities to protect the affected communities and their farmlands, frustrated locals may resort to self-help, endangering both human lives and the already threatened elephant population,” he said.
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