Niger Govt decries illegal logging in the state

From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

The Niger State Government has confiscated about thirty three trucks loaded with Timber as a result of illegal logging in the State and five hundred and eighteen bags of Charcoal.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ahmed Ibrahim Matane while speaking to Newsmen shortly after inspecting the seized items at Maitumbi in Minna, however warned that Government will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone caught engaged in indiscriminate felling of trees for timber and charcoal purposes thereby increasing the rate of desertification in the State.
Matane disclosed that despite several efforts embarked upon by the present administration in fighting the trend, there are a few unscrupulous elements undermining such efforts, therefore Government would leave no stone unturned in ensuring the full protection of the forests in the State.
The SSG who expressed dismay that soil erosion, desertification and land degradation are some of the challenges faced by the people as a result of indiscriminate felling of trees further lamented that the act of felling of trees in the name of Timber and Charcoal remains a threat to the community but expressed optimism that the ugly trend would be fought accordingly by the Government.
He called on the Ministry of Environment and the Task Force Committee on Forest Exploitation in the State to intensify effort towards putting an end to this unfortunate incident while assuring them of Government continued support and cooperation to succeed.
He appealed to Nigerlites to report the activities of those unscrupulous Timber and Charcoal vendors to the security agencies for necessary action.