JUST IN: Fear Grips Residents As Hyena Breaks Loose From Custody

Anxiety gripped Dong Community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State on Monday following the escape of a hyena from the wildlife park.

The hyena broke free from its enclosure at the park, located within the community, on Sunday, causing panic among residents of Dong and neighboring state and Federal Low-Cost estates.

Chuwang Pwajok, the General Manager of Plateau State Tourism Corporation, confirmed the incident in a voice message to a correspondent in Jos on Monday. He reassured residents that immediate efforts were underway to locate and safely return the wild animal to its enclosure.

“We received reports yesterday of a hyena escaping from the Jos Wildlife Park. I immediately instructed our staff, including park rangers and animal keepers, to take swift action to find the animal,” Pwajok stated.

Efforts to locate the hyena have been ongoing since Sunday and throughout Monday. Pwajok emphasized that the animal was likely to remain close to the park grounds, as it is unfamiliar with the surrounding environment beyond its enclosure.

“We are deploying all available resources to locate and secure the hyena back into its enclosure. Public notifications have been issued to inform residents about the situation,” he added.

Addressing speculations circulating on social media, Pwajok debunked claims that hunger or starvation prompted the hyena’s escape. He affirmed that the animals in the park are well-cared for, thanks to recent financial support from the state government to enhance their welfare.

“We urge the public to avoid spreading unverified information. The suggestion that hunger led to the escape is incorrect. The park’s management has been proactive in addressing challenges, including upgrading and modernizing facilities,” Pwajok clarified.

In a similar incident in 2015, a lion had escaped from the park but was subsequently shot dead by security personnel. The state government later replaced the lion approximately a year later.

Efforts are ongoing to fortify security measures and rehabilitate facilities at the Jos Wildlife Park, ensuring a safe environment for both visitors and wildlife.