The Abia state Ministry of Environment has directed all persons and companies involved in any form of activity relating to the Abia State Government Forest Reserves to stop forthwith, and report to the Ministry for discussions and subsequent approvals where necessary.
In a press release, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Ogbonna said the directive became necessary following various reports received by the Ministry that there have been encroachments and unauthorised entries into the Forest Reserves.
The release further states 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 been suspended.
According to Commissioner, “The Ministry of Environment is committed to ensuring that all Abia State Government Forest Reserves are protected from land grabbers and illegal deforestation.”