Residents of the Government College area in Umuahia, Abia State, were thrown into panic on Wednesday after a crocodile was trapped and killed at Iyi Umuohu, a swampy stream running behind residential homes. The incident has caused renewed fear among locals, coming just weeks after two black cobras were also killed in the same area.
Mr. Chukwu Chidiebere, a local resident, said the crocodile was killed at about 9:20 a.m., noting that the stream where it was found is usually shallow and nearly dried up. Another resident, Prince Adex, arrived after the crocodile had been killed but confirmed that the animal had been caught in a trap set in the water. Residents praised the hunter who set the trap and expressed gratitude that no one was harmed during the encounter.
The community has raised concerns over the increasing presence of dangerous wildlife, particularly given that children and families live close to the swampy areas. On October 29, 2025, two black cobras were killed along the same riverbank, sparking public anxiety and calls for authorities to act.
Residents have appealed to the Abia State Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture to identify areas where wildlife poses a threat to human life and develop strategies for safe management. They stressed the need for continuous monitoring of such locations to prevent future incidents.
Confirming the crocodile’s presence, Mr. Levi Iteba of the Department of Forestry and Environmental Management at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, said that crocodiles can be dangerous if they encounter humans or other animals within their territory. “They live both in water and on land. If they are hunting for food, they can attack anything in their path,” he said, highlighting the potential risks posed by these reptiles.
The recent incidents have reignited discussions on the importance of community vigilance, proper wildlife management, and coordinated efforts between authorities and residents to ensure safety in densely populated areas near water bodies.

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