Residents of the Government College vicinity in Umuahia, Abia State, were gripped by fear following the trapping and killing of a crocodile at Iyi Umuohu, a swampy stream situated behind several homes.
The incident comes just weeks after two black cobras were also killed in the same neighbourhood, heightening concerns over unusual wildlife presence.
A resident of the densely populated area, Mr. Chukwu Chidiebere, said the crocodile was killed at about 9:20 a.m, noting that the stream where the reptile was found is usually shallow and almost dried up.
Another resident, Prince Adex, said he arrived after the crocodile had already been killed but confirmed that the trap which caught the animal had been set in the water.
It will be recalled that on October 29, 2025, two black cobras were also killed in traps set along the same riverbank in the Government College axis.
Residents praised the hunter responsible for the traps and expressed gratitude to God for continued protection from such dangers.
They appealed to Abia State Ministry of Ministries of Environment and and Ministry of Agriculture, to identify and monitor locations where wildlife movement poses a threat to lives, and how how best to manage the situation.
Confirming the incident, Mr. Levi Iteba of the Department of Forestry and Environmental Management, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, stated that the animal found was indeed a crocodile.
“They can be harmful when they encounter animals or humans within their territory.
They live both in water and on land. If they are hunting for food, they can attack anything in their path”, Iteba said.
Authorities are expected to carry out assessments of the area to determine the cause of the sudden wildlife presence and recommend appropriate safety measures for the community.