The Abia State government has seized logs of wood from dealers who illegally accessed the Ukpo Forest Reserve in Bende LGA to cut down trees for sale. 

On Friday, the Commissioner for Environment, Philemon Ogbonna, led journalists on a tour of the impounded wood at the Abia State Ministry of Environment.

Ogbonna explained that the woods were planted by the state government to combat the negative effects of climate change on the environment, and were not intended for sale. He expressed frustration that individuals have been illegally entering the forest reserve and cutting down the trees for personal gain, exacerbating the state’s environmental challenges.

The commissioner warned those involved in the illegal activities to cease and desist, vowing that anyone caught would be prosecuted under the law. He emphasised that the administration of Governor Alex Otti is not targeting anyone, but rather encouraging those who wish to do business with the ministry to follow the proper procedures.

Ogbonna also directed the officers in charge of the forest reserves to intensify their efforts in preventing further destruction of the environmentally friendly trees.