CurrentReport Blog Conservationist Prince Odey Oyama has raised an alarm about the rampant illegal wood logging happening in the Cross River forests, particularly the Effi pristine forests. Oyama has called on both the federal and state governments to urgently intervene to curb this destructive activity.
The forests of Cross River, once celebrated for their vastness and biodiversity, are now under threat due to unchecked illegal logging, allegedly by undocumented Chinese individuals. Oyama emphasized the urgency of government intervention, stating that the wanton deforestation is not only destroying natural resources but also erasing the heritage of local communities.
Despite existing laws such as the Cross River State Forestry Commission Law No. 11 of 2011, which empowers authorities to arrest and prosecute illegal traders within 48 hours, Oyama noted a lack of enforcement. He expressed frustration that perpetrators, including the alleged Chinese loggers, have not been apprehended despite reports to the police and immigration authorities.
The Chinese loggers are reportedly operating in the Okuni community of Ikom LGA, with no evidence of valid permits or concession agreements from the Forestry Commission. Efforts to engage with the loggers and community leaders have been met with silence, further complicating efforts to address the issue.
While officials at the Nigeria Immigration Service in Calabar claim to be handling the matter, concrete actions to stop the illegal logging remain elusive.
