The Society for Animal Rights Protection (SARP) has called on the federal and state governments to strengthen wildlife protection measures so as to halt the growing incidents of human-wildlife conflict.
The society made the call following the tragic death of a 50 years old farmer, Musa Kalamu, who was reportedly killed by a wandering elephant on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in Onitasin Imobi, Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The Elephant as claimed by residents of the community, has been a recurring threat in the community for over four years until the eventual attack.
SARP, in a statement, signed by the president, Dr Ibikunle Faramade, expressed concern over the increasing incidents of human-wildlife conflict, attributing such occurrences to shrinking forests and human encroachment into animal habitats due to rapid population growth.
The society emphasised the need for both levels of government to play their statutory roles in the protection of wildlife and prevention of casualties while noting that the creation and management of National Parks fall under federal jurisdiction, game reserves are the responsibility of state governments.
SARP called for improved oversight and coordination by relevant agencies, calling for employment, training, and retraining of National Park officers and agro-rangers to better manage wandering wildlife.
It also advocated more investment in training wildlife veterinarians, citing the current shortage of professionals to oversee animal health within parks and reserves.
“Handling and taming wildlife is not by physical might, but by techniques, technologies, and medical aids,”
The society warned that killing endangered species in the name of human safety could threaten long-term conservation efforts.
The Society extended its condolences to the family of the deceased farmer and prayed for strength for them during this difficult time.
