A member of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Owode Waliu Ifedolapo, has called on the state government and relevant wildlife and environmental agencies to launch an immediate investigation into the tragic death of a 49-year-old resident, Musa Yahaya Kalamu, following an elephant attack in the Itasin Forest, Ijebu East Local Government Area.
Kalamu, reportedly a logger, was killed during an encounter with a herd of elephants—a development that has sparked outrage and fear among locals who say human-animal conflicts have become increasingly common in the area.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Hon. Ifedolapo described the incident as “unfortunate and deeply regrettable,” while extending his condolences to the victim’s family. He urged residents to remain calm amid the growing concerns.
“While we understand the pain and confusion this incident has caused, we urge our people to remain calm. The government is being engaged to take swift and lasting action,” the lawmaker said.
Ifedolapo emphasized the need for urgent preventive measures to avoid a recurrence and advocated for the implementation of a comprehensive conservationist development plan. He said such a plan should focus on managing human-wildlife boundaries, safeguarding lives and property, and preserving the area’s ecological balance.
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“This tragedy highlights the urgent need for coordinated efforts between conservation agencies, local authorities, and the state government. Our communities should not live in fear of wildlife attacks. We must strike a balance between conservation and safety,” he stated.
He further pledged to raise the matter on the floor of the Ogun State House of Assembly as part of broader legislative efforts to find lasting solutions to the recurring issue of human-wildlife conflict in forest-border communities.
Residents of Ijebu East have long lamented inadequate government presence in managing forest reserves and wildlife, especially in areas where economic activities like logging, farming, and hunting intersect with natural habitats.
