Illegal loggers in Ogun protest suspension of their activities

50 lorries belonging to the loggers were seized by officials of the Ogun State Ministry of Forestry.

The Ogun State Government has suspended all logging activities at the Area J1 Forest Reserve in Ijebu Igbo following a protest by some illegal saw-millers and timber contractors in the area.

The protesters were owners of 50 lorries earlier seized by officials of the Ministry of Forestry led by the Commissioner, Ayo Olubori, for their involvement in illegal tree felling from Omo Forest Reserve during Easter. The Olubori- led patrol team also arrested three illegal tree loggers and handed them over to the Ijebu Igbo Division of the Nigerian Police for interrogation and proper prosecution.

Speaking on the resultant protest, the commissioner expressed shock at the brazenness of the saw millers, describing it as “despicable and condemnable in its entirety.”

He reiterated that the State Government was prepared to combat illegal tree felling to a standstill, stating that moves such as the protest by those involved in the illegal act were meant to frustrate the state government.

He however assured that such acts would not deter but strengthen the state’s resolve to fight the menace.

“We’ll sanitize the forestry sub sector to curb all illegalities especially in the Ijebu-Igbo area. Our people are known to resist change, but on our part, we are resolved to put a stop to all these uncharitable activities,” Mr. Olubori said.

The Commissioner urged those involved to tow the path of peace and help government create a conducive environment for meaningful development and for their business to thrive, emphasizing that money generated from the reserves and other sources would be used to provide necessary infrastructural amenities for the benefit of all.