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Unending Search for a Common Ground: Understanding the Dynamics of Human and Wildlife Conflict

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Unending Search for a Common Ground: Understanding the Dynamics of Human and Wildlife Conflict

By: Bright Olunusi

The term “wild” implies creatures untouched by the direct influence of humanity, preserving their instincts and behaviors. On the other hand, zoological gardens serve as ex-situ conservation sites, showcasing these magnificent animals to the public, albeit in a tamed and controlled environment. Families flock to zoos for leisure and education, seeking to witness the wonders of nature up close. One of the questions bothering the minds of tourists and non-experts from the field is, are these wild animals truly domesticated?
While years of captivity may temper their ferocity to some extent, labeling them as pets would be a grave misjudgment. Instances abound where wild animals, including lions, have lashed out at unsuspecting visitors, reminding us of the untamed essence that lies beneath their captive facade. Such encounters often end in tragedy, as evidenced by the recent incident at the zoological garden of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife.
Without prejudice to the university’s ongoing inquiry into the remote cause of the death of Mr. Olabode Olawuyi, a veterinary technician in the zoological garden of the institution, whom the employer claimed had been tendering the nine-year-old lion from birth. Consider the plight of the zookeeper who, for close to a decade, tended to a lion under the mistaken belief of familiarity and safety. Tragedy often struck when zoo users or the attendants ignored the established protocols for handling wild animals. This unfortunate incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers posed by human-wildlife interactions within captive settings.
Indeed, human-wildlife conflicts manifest in various forms, ranging from loss of life and property to the transmission of diseases. The OAU Ife Zoo incident epitomizes this perilous nexus, underscoring the need for stringent safety measures and heightened awareness among zoo personnel and visitors alike. There are documented instances of wild animals attacking their caregivers, tourists, or those who cross their paths in their wild moments. For instance, in 2017, a harrowing incident unfolded at the Agodi Zoological Gardens when a lion managed to escape from its enclosure, leading to the devastating loss of a zoo curator’s life. This incident led to the temporary closure of the facility by the Oyo state government as a precautionary measure. In a similar vein, a tragic event unfolded in Texas in 2010 when a man was fatally kicked by his pet deer while trying to feed it, necessitating the deer’s euthanization. In 2011, in Indonesia, seven dogs, starved for two weeks, fatally attacked their owner upon his return. In 2012, a horrifying incident occurred at the Pittsburgh Zoo when a toddler fell into an African-painted dog enclosure and was fatally attacked.
To mitigate such human-wildlife conflict (HWC), especially in conservation areas, several safety precautions must be adhered to. Visitors should supervise their children closely to prevent them from wandering off and should refrain from leaning over cages or attempting to view animals from unsafe distances. It is crucial not to touch or feed the animals and to maintain a safe distance from enclosures. Proper sanitation practices, including thorough handwashing after visits, are essential to prevent the transmission of diseases.
Furthermore, zookeepers must exercise caution. They should avoid becoming overly familiar with the animals and must ensure that enclosures and cages are securely locked before and after feeding times. Regular inspections should be conducted to identify and address any structural weaknesses or faults in facilities.
In conclusion, as a wildlife conservationist who has witnessed firsthand the delicate balance between human presence and animal instincts, I implore greater vigilance and respect for the wild within captive environments. Only through fostering a deeper understanding of wildlife behavior and implementing robust safety protocols can we mitigate the risks inherent in our coexistence with these magnificent creatures.

Bright Olunusi
Boston University, Massachusetts, USA.
brightolunusi@gmail.com

Unending Search for a Common Ground: Understanding the Dynamics of Human and Wildlife Conflict

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Mob attacked Customs officers, set vehicle ablaze at Maiadua border in Katsina

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Mob attacked Customs officers, set vehicle ablaze at Maiadua border in Katsina

By: Zagazola Makama

Officers of the Nigerian Customs Service were attacked by an angry mob at Koza village, Maiadua border, Katsina State, following a pursuit of a suspected smuggling vehicle.

Zagazola Makama report that the incident occurred at about 2130 hours on 3 December 2025 when Customs officers stationed at the Kozacheckpoint attempted to intercept a Pathfinder model jeep en route from Daura to Kongolam Border.

The unidentified driver reportedly tried to evade arrest, driving into Koza village.

In reaction, some residents barricaded the highway and set ablaze a Golf 3 vehicle belonging to the Customs officers.

Patrol teams were mobilized to the scene to rescue the officers and restore order.

Mob attacked Customs officers, set vehicle ablaze at Maiadua border in Katsina

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Bandits ambush security team along Kuzuntu grazing reserve in Kaduna, Policeman killed

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Bandits ambush security team along Kuzuntu grazing reserve in Kaduna, Policeman killed

By: Zagazola Makama

A combined security team was ambushed by armed men along the Kuzuntu axis of Anchau, Kubau Local Government Area, resulting in the death of a policeman and injuries to others.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that at about 1455 hours on 3 December 2025, a team of security forces comprising of Nigerian Army, police, KADVS operatives, and local vigilantes on assignment at the government grazing reserve in Kuzuntu.

The team was on a request from the Kubau Local Government Council Chairman to accompany staff of an Agro Industry and local officials to take measurements of the grazing area.

The exercise was successfully completed; however, on their return, the team was ambushed by armed men suspected to be bandits.

Police Constable Sunday Ishaya was fatally shot, while several military personnel sustained injuries. The victims were rushed to a hospital for medical attention, where PC Ishaya was certified dead, and the injured are responding to treatment.

The deceased was deposited at General Hospital, Ikara.

Bandits ambush security team along Kuzuntu grazing reserve in Kaduna, Policeman killed

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Insecurity: NEC Approves N100bn For Rehabilitation Of Security Agencies’ Training Institutions

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Insecurity: NEC Approves N100bn For Rehabilitation Of Security Agencies’ Training Institutions

*VP Shettima says economic reforms must deliver visible impact to Nigerians across states

By: Our Reporter

The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved the sum of N100 billion, subject to a final ratification by President Bola Tinubu, for rehabilitation of training institutions for police and other security agencies in Nigeria.

This followed recommendations by the adhoc committee earlier constituted to assess the state of police and security agencies’ training institution nationwide.

At its 154th meeting held virtually on Wednesday, NEC also approved the sum of and N2.6 billion for consultancy services for the project.

President Tinubu had at the 152nd meeting of NEC in October, proposed the overhaul and revamp of training institutions for security agencies nationwide.

Chairman of the adhoc committee, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, had in his presentation to Council, underscored the urgency and significance of the condition of the training facilities, saying most of the training institutions are in dire condition.

Following the presentation by the Governor, the Chairman of NEC, Vice President Kashim Shettima, reaffirmed the commitment of government to address the situation.

VP Shettima also charged governors of the 36 states of the federation to ensure that economic reforms by the state governments translate into clear, measurable improvements in the lives of Nigerians.

Noting that governance is meaningful only when citizens can feel its impact, the Vice President particularly urged all tiers of government to focus on execution rather than rhetoric.

He said the era of policy without results must give way to governance defined by tangible outcomes in communities across the country.

“Our task is not to admire problems, but to solve them. Not to explain challenges, but to overcome them. And not to hope for progress, but to engineer it.

“Today’s agenda speaks to our shared responsibility to build a nation where reforms translate into results, and where policies are not mere promises but convincing instruments of change felt in the markets, schools, clinics and farms across our federation,” the VP said.

Highlights of the meeting are follows:

NEC (7TH IN 2025) 154TH MEETING WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3RD, 2025

UPDATES

The Accountant-General of the Federation gave update to Council on the under listed accounts as follows:

  1. EXCESS CRUDE ACCOUNT (ECA)

Balance as at November, 2025 – $525,823.39

  1. STABLIZATION ACCOUNT

Balance as at November, 2025 – N71,647,494,101.12

  1. NATURAL RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNT

Balance as at November, 2025 – N79,252,769,532.35

PRESENTATION BY NEC AD-HOC COMMITTEE ON THE UPDATE ON POLIO ERADICATION

The presentation to Council was made by the Chairman, Governor of Gombe State

Council noted that Since the NEC Ad-Hoc Committee on Polio was inaugurated earlier this year, the Committee has met four times—between June and November 2025. Each meeting has deepened political commitment, strengthened coordination, and ensured that states remain firmly engaged in the national push to interrupt the remaining variant poliovirus transmission.

Progress to date
Council noted that :

As of Week 47, Nigeria has recorded 73 cases of circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (cVPV2) this year—a 39% reduction from the 119 cases recorded during the same period in 2024. Six priority states account for 63% of total cases, with the majority coming from Sokoto (23), Zamfara (9), Kebbi (7), Gombe (2), Kano (3), and Katsina (2).

Of particular note is the progress made in the two states that have historically carried the highest burden:

a. Kano has achieved a 94% decline in cases compared to last year.

b. Katsina has recorded an 88% decline.

  • 13 new detections—12 cVPV2 and 1 cVPV3—have been confirmed across the country. Notably:

a. Gombe detected its first cases of the year—one in Dukku LGA (Acute Flaccid Paralysis) and one in Gombe LGA (environmental surveillance).

b. Kebbi, Sokoto, Jigawa, Nasarawa and Zamfara have also reported new cases, highlighting the need for intensified action.

First phase of the integrated Measles–Rubella, HPV, and Polio campaign across 20 northern states and Oyo. That exercise delivered meaningful gains:

i. 83% of all planned settlements were reached with geo-evidence.

ii. 92% and 95% of targeted children received the MR vaccine polio vaccine

iii. LQAS results showed 85% pass for MR and 86% for polio

  • In the six priority states:

i. Kano, Katsina, and Gombe passed LQAS, showing strong campaign quality.

ii. Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara did not meet the 80% threshold for LQAS, and revaccination conducted in the affected LGAs

A new round of nOPV2 campaigns will commence this December. The implementation will occur in two blocs:

i. Bloc A (12 northern states)—including Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara

ii. Bloc B (9 northern states)—including Gombe

  • This round is critical. It presents an opportunity for us to close remaining immunity gaps before year-end

Resolution:

i. Deputy Governors across the implementing states are encouraged to convene State Taskforce Meetings ahead of the campaign

  • State Governments are urged to work closely with security agencies to support safe access for vaccination teams, particularly in settlements affected by insecurity or hard-to-reach terrain.
  • LGA Chairmen should be fully involved in campaign oversight by chairing the Evening Review Meetings (ERMS), where daily performance is assessed, bottlenecks identified, and corrective measures taken in real time.

UPDATE ON THE STAKEHOLDERS’ MEETING ON THE COST AND AVAILABILITY OF DOMESTIC GAS BY THE MINISTER OF PETROLEUM (GAS)

The Minister of Petroleum (Gas), Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo made a presentation on the cost and availability of domestic gas, particularly the payment of outstanding obligations to gas producers to encourage increased production and supply for domestic consumption.

Gas producers have a cumulative debt claim of $1bn for gas supplied to the power sector as far back as 2011 and ₦185bn (78%) of the total naira-denominated debt claims has been validated by submissions made by NNPC Gas Marketing Ltd (NGML) and Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC); the variance is largely driven by NEPL’s claims against its GenCo customers and unreported claims against NGML by Shell, Seplat Energy and NUIMS.

His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had on 4th April 2024, granted approval to urgently settle the ₦185 billion naira validated debt owed to gas producers through future oil and gas royalty deductions.

Following the transmission of the Presidential approval to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the NUPRC has engaged with the six (6) gas producers and agreed on a royalty deduction schedule.

Resolution:

Council commended the initiative and efforts of the committee, given Nigeria’s status as a largely gas nation.

It approved the committee’s prayers to among other things, concur with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for the payment of outstanding obligations to the tune of ₦185 billion to gas producers to ensure improved supply of gas for domestic production.

Insecurity: NEC Approves N100bn For Rehabilitation Of Security Agencies’ Training Institutions

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