By Ademu Usman Idakwo
The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, NVMA has called on the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to commence an investigation into the brutal killing of two elephant calves in Kala Balge, a Semi-urban Community in Borno State.
The President of the association, Dr Moses Arokoyo in a statement in Abuja condemned the brutal killing of wild animals on the 17th of December, 2023.
The association also added that it received with embarrassment and deep pain, another report of the killings of two booted eagles that migrated from Europe but met their sad ends in Kebbi and Sokoto states.
On the Elephants, the NVMA said the elephants were allegedly killed by a military officer, citing a video posted on social media.
“A military personnel (wearing camouflage) was caught in the act as evident in a viral video circulating across social media platforms committing this cruelty against the young innocent wild animals.
” This inhumane act depicts the premeditated and willful termination of a harmless and defenceless creature’s life, it also infringes on the animal’s right to live, which is our duty to protect as veterinarians,” the association stated
He told the NVMA and the public that the Nigerian National Park Service is already being engaged on the issue to ensure those behind the killing of those animals are brought to book.
The statement further disclosed that the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, NVMA will work in unison with the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, VCN and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to find a solution to the continued animal brutality, as is becoming of great concern.
He said an effort will be made to intensify awareness campaigns to save wildlife from an attack by people.
“We are open to collaborations with all stakeholders to prevent the recurrence of this act and ensure a mutual coexistence between humans, wildlife and all other members of the ecosystem,” the NVMA president stated.
