Stray lion shot dead by hunters in Nigeria

The authorities in Nigeria's north-eastern state of Borno say a lion has been killed by hunters in a remote area near the border with Cameroon. 

The carcass of the lion has been deposited at the government-run zoo in the state capital, Maiduguri.

The authorities say the lion was killed to prevent it from harming people. 

Local hunters often kill wild animals for their meat, tusks or skin. 

The director of forestry and wildlife in the state, Ayuba Peter, told the BBC the lion might have strayed from a game reserve in neighbouring Cameroon. 

In recent years there had been sightings of wild animals including lions, hyenas and elephants in rural parts of north-eastern Nigeria, the official said. 

Many people have fled their homes in the area because of the Boko Haram insurgency. 

This has allowed plants and trees to thrive and the reforested areas have attracted the wild animals.

The authorities have advised people who are returning to their rural communities to be vigilant.

Two weeks ago, a stray hyena killed a man in a remote village in the region.

This article originally appeared on BBC News

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