The long arm of law has again caught with some wood merchants in Ogun State as the Ministry of Forestry has arrested no fewer than 50 lorries carrying logs of wood illegally felled from the Omo Forest Reserve in Ijebu Igbo area owned by the government. It will be recalled that the State recorded similar feat some months back when some lorries were caught carting away woods that were later found to have been felled illegally. Speaking with newsmen shortly after the arrest, Commissioner for Forestry, Engr. Ayo Olubori revealed that following a tip-off, he along with members of the Quick Rapid Response Squad swung into action which culminated into the interception of the lorries. He recalled that shortly before the Easter break, the Ministry had issued a directive banning all activities within the forest reserves during the period, pointing out that the perpetrators wanted to take advantage of the long Easter break. Olubori stated that ignorance is no excuse for breaking the law as some of those caught claimed that they were not aware of the closure or that government had acquired the land they claimed to have inherited from their forbearers. On punishment to be meted out to them, the Commissioner said they would be made to pay twice the amount would have ordinarily paid as permit fee, to serve as deterrents to others who might want to carry out such uncharitable act in the future. Warning that government would not condone illegal operation within its forest reserves, Olubori enjoined timber contractors and wood merchants in the State to obtain necessary papers or permits and also pay stipulated tariff to avoid unnecessary embarrassment.
Via: Ogun State Government - Official Press Release
There are still so many fights to fight in that state. That isn't the end of their problems at all. There are still things to tackle