A 45-year-old man, Ibrahim Tijani, died of injuries on Thursday, April 23, when he was attacked by a wild elephant which invaded Innayin Community in Iwajowa Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Disclosing this in a statement, the Public Relations Officer of Oyo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said that the incident occurred at about 3:30p.m.
Also missing after an encounter with the same animal is another man identified as Alhaji Muhammadu Bingin, aged 50.
“Upon receiving a distress call, police operatives, in collaboration with local vigilantes and hunters, swiftly mobilised to the scene.
“On arrival, the lifeless body of one Ibrahim Tijani, male, aged 45 years, was discovered in a nearby bush with injuries consistent with an animal attack.
“His remains have been evacuated to the General Hospital, Iwere-Ile, for necessary medical examination and preservation,” the PPRO said.
Saying that a search has been intensified for the missing man, Ayanlade added that efforts are currently underway to locate him.
The Police Command advised members of the public to avoid the affected area and report any sighting of the animal to security agencies promptly.
It reassured residents of Innayin Community and adjoining ones that the situation is being closely managed, while all necessary measures are being taken to prevent further harm.
Noting the importance of handling such incidents with due regard to wildlife conservation laws, the police command said that relevant authorities, including the National Park Service, Nigeria, are being engaged to provide expert guidance on safely managing the situation.
