Anxiety has gripped the Dong Community in Jos North Local Government Area of Platuea State following the escape of a hyena from the wildlife park.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday, has sparked panic among residents of the Dong community and the nearby Federal Low-Cost estates.
Chuwang Pwajok, the general manager of Plateau State Tourism Corporation, confirmed the escape in a voice message sent to Punch online correspondents. Pwajok assured residents that efforts were underway to track down the animal.
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“I received a report yesterday of a hyena escaping from its enclosure at the Jos Wildlife Park and immediately directed all our staff, especially the park rangers and animal keepers, to take immediate steps to locate the animal,” Pwajok said.
Efforts to locate the hyena have been ongoing since Sunday. Pwajok explained that the animal is unlikely to wander far due to its lack of acclimatization to the surrounding environment, being familiar only with the Jos Wildlife Park.
“The park spans a large area, and all hands are on deck to locate the animal and lure it back into its enclosure,” he added.
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Pwajok dismissed rumors that the hyena escaped due to hunger and starvation. He emphasized that the welfare of the animals has improved significantly under the current administration.
“There are insinuations that it left its enclosure due to hunger, which is far from the truth. Those who visited the park some months ago and have returned recently will attest that all our animals are healthier because Governor Caleb Mutfwang approved an upward review for animal feeding. Resources for feeding these animals have consistently been released to this corporation,” he said.
Pwajok highlighted ongoing efforts to modernize the park, acknowledging that some cages are old but assuring that active measures are being taken to address this issue. “Very soon, all the cages will be rehabilitated and modernized, offering visitors a rewarding game-viewing experience,” he noted.
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The incident recalls a similar event in 2015, when a lion escaped from the park and was shot dead by security operatives. The lion was later replaced by the state government.
Residents are advised to remain vigilant and report any sightings of the hyena to the authorities.
