Obaseki, Edo Security Agencies Set To Rid Illegal Loggers

By Sola Omoniyi, Lagos

The executive governor of Edo state, Mr Godwin Obaseki has emphasized that he’s ready to partner with forest rangers and other security agencies to launch a 3-month operation to get rid of illegal loggers and other criminal activities in the state.

This is coming after a meeting with delegates of the Africa Natural Investors (ANI) Foundation, security agencies and newly trained forest rangers, to cub illegal loggers in Okomu Forest, Gelegele Forest and Okomu National Park.

The governor asserted that he approved the security agencies to flush out all criminals in the state.

“I have just approved the security agencies for a special operation to flush out all criminal gangs from the Okomu Forest and Okomu National Park.

“This is critical because the rate at which logging is being undertaken in that park and the cost to our environment cannot be quantified and it has become an issue of great concern to the people and Government of Edo State.

“I am now mandating a special 90-day operation and we are going to be sourcing for the support of the Chief of Army Staff to make sure that the new rangers that we have just trained are protected and safe.”

Obaseki added, “Nobody who should not be in that forest or game reserve should be found there and anybody caught logging in that forest will be made to face the law swiftly and squarely,” he added.