The Cross River State government has impounded 32 trucks loaded with wood illegally harvested by timber loggers from the state’s forest.
This is part of the state government’s effort to tackle the activities of illegal loggers and other environmental activities that have adverse effects on the environment and the economy of the state.
Speaking with LEADERSHIP yesterday in Calabar shortly after an on-the- spot-inspection of 32 trucks that conveyed illegal timber at the border community with Ebonyi State, Governor Bassey Edet Otu warned all illegal loggers to use the window of opportunity offered to them by the state government to regularise their operations in the state rather than attempting to steal from the state.
The governor who was represented by the chief of staff, Mr Emmanuel Ironbar, said he had already spoken on the issue right from the moment he arrived at the scene of the seized trucks at Ejiraga in Yala local government area.
Otu decried the devastation caused by the timber thieves to the rich biodiversity and the forest reserves, warning of stiff penalties against the perpetrators of the act.
The state chief executive averred that impounding of the 32 trucks is a demonstration of state government ‘s determination to match words with action.
Otu lauded members of the Anti-deforestation Committee for their prompt action, and advised forest bearing communities to assist the government by providing useful information that may lead to the arrest of the illegal loggers.
He urged the communities to desist from assisting illegal loggers and wildlife poachers and smugglers.
Otu however directed owners of the seized trucks conveying illegal wood to report to the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Cross River State Forestry Commission, within 7-days or have themselves to blame.
“Failure to adhere to this directive will lead to final confiscation and auction of the impounded trucks and timbers,” the governor warned.
