ABIA STATE STOPS ALL ENTRY INTO GOVERNMENT FOREST RESERVES.

The Commissioner for Environment in Abia State PHILEMON OGBONNA has directed all persons and companies involved in any form of activity relating to the government’s forest reserves to stop forthwith and report to the ministry for discussions and subsequent approvals were necessary.

OGBONNA in a signed statement issued to newsmen over the weekend in UMUAHIA said the directive has become necessary following various reports received by the ministry that there have been encroachments and unauthorized entries into the forest reserves.

It stated that all previous approvals from the Ministry of Environment granting permission to any person, group of persons, or companies to enter any of the forest reserves in the state have now been suspended.

The statement also quoted the Ministry of Environment as reiterating its commitment to ensuring that all Abia State Government Forest Reserves are protected from land grabbers and illegal deforestation.