By John Moses
In a decisive response to growing security concerns, the Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area (LGA) in Nigeria’s Benue State, Mr Melvin Ejeh, has imposed an immediate and indefinite ban on all logging activities in Agatu West.
Announcing the directive in a statement on Sunday, Mr Ejeh said the measure was a crucial step towards addressing a surge in criminal activity attributed in part to unregulated deforestation in the region.
“The unbridled logging across our forests has not only degraded the environment but created hideouts and operational routes for criminal elements,” Ejeh stated. “This poses a serious threat to public safety, and we must act swiftly and decisively.”
The ban, which takes effect immediately, prohibits any form of logging without prior authorisation from the chairman himself. Violators will face strict legal penalties, according to the council’s statement.
Ejeh highlighted the dual purpose of the ban: restoring public safety and preserving the region’s fragile ecosystem. He noted that environmental degradation caused by logging had left the community increasingly vulnerable, both ecologically and in terms of security.
“This is not merely about conserving trees—it is about protecting lives,” he said. “We can no longer allow lawlessness to thrive under the guise of economic activity.”
He called on residents to remain alert and report any illegal logging to local authorities, stressing that cooperation from the community would be essential to the policy’s success.
“We are committed to securing our communities and ensuring a peaceful environment for all,” Ejeh concluded, pledging that the local government would continue implementing further security reforms in the coming months.
