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| Deforestation: Illegal Loggers Invade Abia Forest Reserve, Cut Down Trees |
The Abia State government has seized logs of wood from individuals who illegally entered the forest reserve at Ukpo, Bende LGA, to cut down trees for sale.
During a tour of the impounded logs at the Abia State Ministry of Environment on Friday, the Commissioner for Environment, Philemon Ogbonna, explained that the trees were planted by the state government to mitigate the negative effects of climate change on Abia's environment, emphasizing that they were not intended for commercial purposes.
He expressed concern that people have been illegally entering the forest reserve and cutting down trees for sale, thereby increasing the state's vulnerability to environmental challenges.
The commissioner warned those involved in these illegal activities to stop immediately, vowing that anyone caught in the act would be prosecuted under the law.
He clarified that the administration of Governor Alex Otti is not targeting anyone unfairly.
Ogbonna urged those who wish to conduct business with the ministry to follow the proper procedures.
He also mentioned that his ministry has instructed officers in charge of the forest reserves to intensify their efforts to prevent further destruction of the environmentally beneficial trees.
