Hippopotamus in the Central River Region are on the rampage, destroying over seven hectares of rice fields in Niani, Nianja and Sami districts, in the CRR North.  

According to reports from the Office of the CRR Governor, "even during the day when women work on their rice fields, the hippos do come out and frighten them".

Mr Ganyie Touray, Governor of CRR told the Daily Observer's Janjanbureh correspondent that the situation is very unfortunate, because all the farmers depend on rice production for their income.   He assured them that the relevant authorities will be contacted for advice and actions will be taken as soon as possible to remedy the situation.

Alasan Dand Cham, Chief of Nanija, also told the Daily Observer CRR correspondent that, farming is the main source of income for the people in the rural areas and if their crops are being destroyed by amimals, their way of life will be difficult. He then lodged an appeal through the Office of the Governor for urgent assistance.

Our reporter also indicated that the latest report received in the CRR Governor's Office came on   Tuesday October 23, 2007 from Momodou Lamin Baldeh, Chief of Lower Fulladu, who also complained about the same thing.