PICTORIAL: Timber Sellers Protest Alleged Gov’t Officials Maltreatment

Timber Sellers in Bauchi State have shut down all timber markets indefinitely, protesting against alleged mistreatment and harassment by government officials.

The protest at Muda Lawal market in Bauchi on Monday highlighted their grievances, including hefty fines and arrests of their vehicles, claiming they faced victimization in Bauchi compared to other states.

Ayuba Abubakar, the Hausa section chairman of the Timber Association, cited losses of livelihood due to actions by hunters despite procuring wood from outside the state.

He called on Governor Bala Mohammed to intervene.

Barr Maduabuchi Okonkwo, chairman of the Igbo branch of the Timber Sellers Association, supported the market closure due to frequent arrests and detentions of vehicles carrying wood.

He expressed frustration over the contradictory situation of procuring wood from the East due to a ban on sawing wood in Bauchi forests, only to face arrests upon return.