In the video shared by @MusaGwary on the X platform, the man who killed the elephant was alleged to be a military man because he was dressed in military uniform.
He was captured in the video shooting the elephant. Another man looked on as the man in military uniform fired at the elephant while another man in a blue shirt was also seen carrying a gun in the video.
The men in the video, speaking in Hausa Language had alleged the destruction of their farmland by the elephants.
A translation of their claim reads, “This feat we have achieved today, we set out from Gambori, possibly we already came here, we came with our cartridge and everything and we were lucky to have killed two.
“If this kind of effort has been made and you kill two, two ten times by now things would have doused because of the destruction they do us. We are happy today and we applaud those who made this effort.”
However, the number of men and those in the video cannot be ascertained.
The video also shows how the elephant was butchered by the men.
Nigerians on the social media platform X have, however, condemned the killing of the elephant.
Also, wildlife lovers have condemned the video and called on the military, and the Borno government to probe the act.
Writing on X, a Netizen Gwary said, “Urgent call to end elephant killings in Kala Barge Local Government. Viewer’s discretion is advised. I am writing to bring your attention to a critical issue that demands immediate action – the alarming rate of elephant killings in Kala Barge Local Government.
“The majestic elephants, crucial to our ecosystem, are facing a dire threat that requires our collective efforts to address. Let us stand together in the defence of these gentle giants, protecting them from further harm.”
Also writing, @inv__Sulaiman called on the customs “to investigate and find this military man and execute him”
Another user with the handle @IdakwoJags said, “So meat is now scarce up to the extent of eating elephant” while @AdamAbbaji expressed sadness watching the video.
He called on the Borno state government to probe the act. “This is very sad to watch. I hope the Borno State Government will immediately investigate this gruesome tragedy of killing endangered animals,” he expressed.
@UsmanZannah decried the increasing rate of killing elephants. He suggested, “Africa demands immediate attention and action from the authority and it necessitates urgent measures to protect them and preserve the ecosystem.”
Bashir Ahmad (BashirAhmmad), a former aide to former President, Muhammadu Buhari, reacted by saying, “This is so sad. And they’re even proud of what they did. Haba.”
A user, @MalcolmAlkalee, called for the preservation of wildlife so that generations to come can be beneficiaries of it.
“Why kill this innocent elephant? In the near future, we have nothing to showcase for the upcoming generations. #PreserveWildLife.
@amse48 called for more awareness to protect the wildlife. “This is heartbreaking! We need to raise awareness about this issue and urge the authorities to take immediate action to protect these magnificent creatures.”
@Ceasarokoli questioned the use of weapons by the alleged military men. “How can military officers use weapons purchased with taxpayers’ money to kill an elephant? What sort of rubbish is this?”
Another, @tawaladeyemi reacted by saying, “Elephants play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance, and their senseless killing not only poses a threat to their existence but also disrupts the delicate ecosystems they inhabit. I implore the government to take immediate and decisive action to address this issue.”
Efforts to speak with the state commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar, could not be reached for reaction as of the time of filing this report.
Every 3rd of March is marked as World Wildlife Day. It is a United Nations International Day to celebrate all the world’s wild animals and plants and the contribution that they make to human lives and the health of the planet.
