NIGER: Villagers ‘massacre 27 hippos’

At least 27 hippos have been slaughtered in western Niger by villagers who blame them for destroying crops and harming livestock, local authorities told AFP news agency. The “massacre” started in March and “then assumed dramatic proportions” mainly in island settlements on the Niger river, the prefect of the Ayorou region, Jando Rhichi Algaher, told […]

At least 27 hippos have been slaughtered in western Niger by villagers who blame them for destroying crops and harming livestock, local authorities told AFP news agency.

The “massacre” started in March and “then assumed dramatic proportions” mainly in island settlements on the Niger river, the prefect of the Ayorou region, Jando Rhichi Algaher, told AFP.

He added that around ten people have been arrested for the killings and some have already been freed.

In May, local tribal chiefs issued warnings about hippos, saying they were ravaging crops and threatening boats on the Niger river, reports AFP.