From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Onu- Egume and Okura District head, HRH, Alhaji Etila Ajeka has warned that encroachment and trespass into Egbe forest in any form are henceforth liable to arrest and possible prosecution in the community.
The warning was contained in a communique issued at the end of the the traditional ruler’s meeting with stakeholders, security operatives, and the national body of Egume Ome Descendants’ Union (EODU), over the drastic encroachment on the Egbe-Egume forest held at Onu-Egume’s palace in Dekina local government area, Kogi state.
The forum frowned at the disgusting encroachment into Egbe forest, the royal cemetery hosting late royal fathers and condemned the action in entirety.
His royal highness, Alhaji Etila Ajeka decree in the communique that hunting, farming , fetching of firewood and other activities within the forest is hereby prohibited.
The forum which mandated the stakeholders to mobilise for the fencing and afforestation of the royal Forest stressed that the forest should be free from viruses of reproach, ridicule and insults.
“That the efforts towards reclaiming the areas encroached upon should be treated as expedient and imperative.”
The communique further stressed the need for proper demarcation of the Egbe forest, revived and developed to meet international forest standard.
“That the state security, community vigilante service, the hunters, Nigeria civil defence corps and the Nigeria Police Force should be duly informed for necessary steps to secure the royal Forest from further encroachment.”
The communique was signed by the Onu Egume and District head of Okura, HRH, Alhaji Etila Ajeka, The National President of Egume Ome Descendants’ Union, Alhaji Mohammed Lawal Ibrahim, the Chairman security committee, Hon. Gowon Omale, the home branch chairman, Mr. Samuel Idachaba, other traditional rulers
