A member representing Ijebu East in the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Waliu Ifedolapo, has appealed for calm and restraint among residents following the tragic death of a 50-year-old farmer, Musa Kalamu, who was reportedly killed by a herd of elephants in the Itasin community of Ogbere, Ogun State.
The shocking incident, which occurred on Monday, sent waves of fear and concern across the affected community and beyond, as locals reported that six elephants emerged from a nearby forest and fatally attacked the unsuspecting farmer while he was working on his farm.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Hon. Ifedolapo described the incident as “deeply unfortunate and shocking,” while extending his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased.
“This tragedy has shaken our community,” he said. “We understand the pain, confusion, and fear this incident has caused, and our thoughts are with the bereaved family during this difficult time.”
Calling for calm in the wake of the tragedy, the lawmaker emphasized the need for a measured and coordinated response rather than panic or retaliation. “While we understand the anger this may provoke, we urge our people to remain calm,” he said. “The government is being engaged to take swift and lasting action.”
Ifedolapo urged the Ogun State Government, along with relevant wildlife and environmental protection agencies, to immediately investigate the circumstances that led to the fatal encounter and to put in place preventive mechanisms to avoid similar tragedies in the future.
“This unfortunate incident calls for urgent collaboration between conservation agencies, local authorities, and the government to protect human lives while ensuring wildlife is responsibly managed,” he said.
According to the lawmaker, the proximity of wildlife habitats to human settlements—especially in rural farming communities—has created a growing risk of conflict between people and animals. He noted that the tragedy highlights the urgent need for the implementation of a conservationist development plan in areas bordering forest reserves and wildlife zones.
“Our communities should not live in fear of wildlife attacks,” he said. “We must strike a balance between conservation and safety. We need a deliberate, long-term approach that maintains ecological harmony while prioritizing the security and livelihood of our people.”
Hon. Ifedolapo also disclosed that he intends to bring the matter before the Ogun State House of Assembly for debate, as part of a broader legislative push to formulate effective policies and solutions.
“I am committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure this kind of tragic incident never repeats itself,” he stated. “We must act now to protect our people and prevent further loss of lives.”
The fatal elephant attack in Itasin is one of the rare but increasingly alarming cases of human-wildlife conflict being recorded in Nigeria, particularly in areas close to forest reserves or conservation zones. Although elephants are protected species under Nigerian law and international conventions, rising human encroachment on forested areas and climate-related habitat shifts have brought wildlife and humans into closer contact—sometimes with deadly consequences.
Local residents of Itasin and surrounding villages have expressed both grief and fear following the incident. Some have called for the relocation of wildlife or the construction of barriers, while others demand greater government presence and security in rural communities.
Meanwhile, wildlife experts have reiterated that elephants rarely attack unless provoked or threatened, and that expanding human activity into forested areas may be increasing the frequency of these encounters.
Efforts are reportedly ongoing to assess the presence and behavior of the elephants in the area, while community leaders have called for dialogue and technical intervention from conservation bodies.
