Elephants are endangered species that need special protection to safeguard the surviving Population from extinction. One of the Elephants reported to have wandered into Nigeria from the Benin Republic was seen at Gobo in Kwara State. Investigations indicated that the elephant had been there since September 2021 and had enjoyed protection from the surrounding local communities even at the expense of their farm produce.  Efforts were made to rally stakeholders for the animal to be relocated to a safe place, particularly the closest National Park. While consultations were ongoing among stakeholders, a team of non-wildlife professionals went to Gobo, mal-handled the elephant, bundled it into an unpadded truck, and transported it in an appalling position to Ibadan, a distance of over 200km. The death of the animal was the next announcement.

No expert was involved in the capture. This singular act has not only caused a national embarrassment but has also led to a colossal loss of one of the globally endangered wildlife species.

This act should not go unpunished to deter others in the future.