Ogun govt orders illegal dwellers to vacate forest reserves

However, farmers permitted to stay in the settlements were asked to embark on planting at least 5,000 trees.

The Commissioner for Forestry, Engr. Taiwo Oludotun, gave the directive at the J3 camp, Ijebu East Local Government Area, during a meeting with Baales, Chiefs and indigenes of more than 50 settlements.

Oludotun said the directive was part of government efforts to rid the reserves of irregularities.

According to him, the concerned stakeholders should ensure total compliance, saying the present administration would not fold its arms and watch individuals and groups destroying the reserves.

“Government has discovered some irregularities in its forest reserves.

“All illegal dwellers are hereby directed to quit, and for those of you permitted to stay, you are hereby expected to plant at least 5,000 seedlings of trees, and failure to do this will lead to expulsion from the farm. You can do this alongside your farming activities,” he said.

The Commissioner tasked the Baales to forward records of properties and their owners to his office within the shortest possible time, urging them to be security conscious and watchful of activities of kidnappers, illegal miners and other anti-social elements living in the area.

Speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Lateef Benson said the meeting would enable the State government to have first-hand knowledge of activities and challenges confronting the dwellers and proffer solutions where necessary.

Responding on behalf of his colleagues, Baale of Lutasi, Chief Ogunde Idowu, assured the Ministry of their cooperation to enable the government achieve its set objectives.