In furtherance of its mission to sanitise the operations and activities in the State’s Forest Reserves, the Ogun State Government has impounded six loaded lorries owned by some illegal operators caught transporting wood to neighbouring States for commercial purpose.
The State Commissioner for Forestry, Engr. Tunji Akinosi, who intercepted the loaded lorries along Taungya , Osun Gate and Ogedengbe Control Posts while going on an inspection tour to the forest reserves in Ijebu-Igbo area, impounded them and ordered immediate arrest of the drivers.
Reacting in an interview after the arrest, Akinosi said the drivers arrested would be tried and prosecuted in the court of law, maintaining that Government would not renege on its decision to make more arrest until people end the illegal felling of trees in State’s forests.
“You cannot take laws into your hands as trees in the reserves do not belong to individuals as there are laws to be followed if trees have to be felled and taken as logs out of the reserve. Government is desirous in doing what is right and will continue to monitor human activities in reserves until acts inimical to the growth of the State is stopped ”, he said.
The Commissioner, who expressed dissatisfaction at the alarming rate of reduction in the numbers of forest economic trees as a result of illegal felling, said plans are underway to replant more trees and as well preserve the existing ones with stringent measures put in place to protect them.
Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Lateef Benson and other officials of the Ministry, the Commissioner warned the field officers against sharp practices, saying, anyone caught would face the consequence.
