Akure Residents Kill Rare African Civet for Its Valuable Skin
Rare African Civet Killed by Akure Residents, Sparks Outrage Over Lost Economic Value
Residents of Akure, the Ondo State capital, have reportedly killed a rare animal identified as an African civet, drawing sharp criticism online over the destruction of what some have called a “natural goldmine.”
The incident was brought to public attention by a user on X (formerly Twitter), Martin, who shared a photo of the lifeless animal on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.
He said the civet was killed in his neighborhood, though the exact reason for the killing was unclear.
Another user, Abbazz, reacted with dismay, claiming that the animal’s skin alone could fetch up to ₦67 million due to its high demand in the global fashion industry.
“That animal is called a civet. They’re not dangerous, they’re not wild animals in the typical sense,” he posted. “Their skin is used to make luxury leather goods — bags, clothes, belts. You guys just wasted good money. Damn.”
Beyond its skin, the African civet is also valued for the musk it naturally produces, a substance historically used in the production of perfumes and colognes.
The animal is regarded as one of Africa’s unique wildlife assets, playing both ecological and economic roles.
Native to sub-Saharan Africa, the African civet is a nocturnal mammal that weighs between 7 and 20 kilograms and measures roughly 67 to 84 centimeters in length.
Though not classified as endangered, the species is often hunted for its musk and sometimes mistaken for a threat due to its appearance.
Wildlife advocates say the killing underscores a growing problem: a lack of awareness about the value of certain animals within local communities.
Conservationists are now calling for better education and stricter wildlife protection laws to prevent similar incidents in the future.
No official comment has been made by Ondo State environmental or wildlife authorities as of the time of this report.
Akure Residents Kill Rare African Civet for Its Valuable Skin