The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Bauchi State Council has expressed dismay over the activities of illegal tree fellers at Burra forest in Ningi local government area of Bauchi State.
The State Chairman of the NUJ, Comrade Umar Sa’idu who expressed his displeasure on behalf of the council called for urgent government intervention to save the situation.
Deforestation: Burra Residents In Bauchi Groan, Fingers LG Chairman Of Aiding Massive Deforestation
The council Chairman who was launching a tree-planting campaign at the Bauchi State University Gadau to commemorate the 2020 press week of the NUJ says the continued deforestation in Bauchi despite the government ban was quite disturbing.
Ningi LG Chairman Queries Burra District Head For “Speaking Against Deforestation”
“We have observed that despite the prohibition of indiscriminate felling of trees by the state government, the menace continues in some places in the state where people cut trees without replacement and without knowing the danger.
“You may recall that a few years ago, the state experienced windstorms disaster that resulted in the deaths of several people and destruction of many houses, roofs and street lights across the state”, he said.
Full Text: Burra District Head Responds To Query, Hits Back At LG Chairman
The chairman called on the state government and all relevant stakeholders to urgently arrest the situation before it gets out of hand.
He said journalists will continue to play the watchdog function by holding people to account and enlightening them about the danger of deforestation.
The Chairman also called on local authorities in Ningi to put their differences aside and save the forest from illicit tree fellers.
Earlier in his address, the Vice-Chancellor of the Sa’adu Zungur University Gadau, Profesor Auwal Uba commended the NUJ for partnering with the University to kick-start a tree-planting campaign in the state.
The VC who was represented by the Director, Physical Planning and Development, Dr. Aminu Mohammed Umar says tree planting would go a long way in addressing deforestation and mitigating the impact of climate change.
He said the Sa’adu Zungur Gadau has been at the forefront of the tree planting campaign, urging all people in the state to cultivate the culture of tree planting.
