DEFORESTATION: Hon. Ewa Gives Loggers 3 Weeks Ultimatum to vacate Boki Forests

The Executive Chairman of Boki Local Government Council, Hon. (Pst) John Ewa has given those involved in Logging Activities three weeks to end their activities and vacate Boki Forests.

He made this known in a Council Press Briefing to warn about the rate of illegal deforestation carried out by unknown persons in the forest.

The press release tagged ‘Preservation Of Boki Forest, A Clarion Call For Community Efforts’ reads;

“Gentlemen of the press, the good people of Boki Local Government Council, Members of the public, Ladies and Gentlemen. 

“I, the Chairman of Boki Local Government Council, Pastor John Ewa as well as indigenes and responsible individuals of the society are deeply concerned about the unwholesome deforestation of Boki Forests, one of the few reserves in this part of the Country. 

“This concern has made it necessary for a solidarity call on all well meaning Boki sons and daughters, home and abroad to a three-day tour from 25th-29th of May, 2021 to put an end to this illegality ongoing in our forest.

“It is worrisome that all Government agencies are compromised and these logging activities is about to cause another round of communal Crisis together with the facts that the Boki roads are being damaged by loaded trucks of woods and the Forests are almost gone. As it stands, the only remedy is for the communities of Boki to take this tough responsibility and stop this disaster that has come upon our land before it consumes us.

“Those involved in logging are hereby given 3 Weeks Ultimatum to vacate Boki Forests. At the expiration of this time, Woods, Vehicles and all materials used for wood logging and evacuation will be confiscated and destroyed and defaulters will be arrested.

“Consequently, community Chiefs must mobilize to stop any form of logging or timber activities henceforth or risk their stipends. Forest management is the primary responsibility of Forestry commission but since this government agency and related authorities have failed us, it is time to rise up, take back our forest and preserve it.

“Thank you for your support as I am hopeful that we will all come out to defend our heritage.