The House of Representatives, on Thursday, took steps to address the invasion of marauding elephants on farm fields in Ngala and Kala-Balge local government areas of Borno State.
This followed the adoption of a motion at plenary brought under matters of urgent national importance by Hon. Zainab Gimba (APC, Borno) at plenary.
Moving the motion, Gimba said the elephants were from Waza National Park in the neighbouring Cameroon, from where they yearly move back and forth through its route in Ngala and Kala-Balge local government areas of Borno State.
She said in the course of their movement, they destroy crops and other farm produce, thus affecting the means of livelihood of the people in the areas.
The lawmaker expressed worry that the destruction of the farms may further precipitate untold hardship on the people, considering that these places are under military control.
Gimba recalled that attempts were made by the Conservator-General to acquire some equipment meant to scare away the elephants, which in effect will curtail damage to crops and other food products on the farm fields.
She commended the Borno State Government for its quick response, though overwhelmed, hence the need for the Federal Government to come to their rescue.
Gimba called on the Federal Government through the Ministry of Environment and the National Park to partner with the Borno State Government in the area of logistics to address the menace of the marauding elephants.
