Insecurity: Kaduna bans tree felling, ‘questionable’ activities in forests

The Kaduna government has banned “questionable” movements and activities in “thick forests” in the state.

The state also banned the felling of trees for timber, firewood, charcoal in seven LGAs due to rising insecurity in the state.

The development was announced in a statement by Samuel Aruwan, commissioner for internal security and home affairs, on Tuesday.

Aruwan said the announcement was made after the government met with the firewood sellers association, timber contractors and charcoal sellers association in the state.

He named the affected areas as Birnin Gwari, Igabi, Chikun, Giwa, Kachia, Kauru, Kajuru LGAs.

“In the over-riding public security interest arising from several security advisories, the Kaduna State Government has announced the suspension of cutting/felling of trees for timber, firewood, charcoal and other commercial purposes in Birnin Gwari, Chikun, Giwa, Kauru, Igabi, Kajuru and Kachia local government areas with immediate effect,” the statement reads.

“All questionable movements and activities within the thick forests across the seven listed LGAs, are also prohibited with immediate effect.”

He advised residents against involving in the activities, adding that security agencies will ensure the directive is effectively enforced.

Kaduna state has experienced a series of abductions and attacks in the past few months.