The Kwara State Government has canvassed more police support in the enforcement of appropriate laws on indiscriminate felling of trees for charcoal production and some residents lackadaisical attitude to the monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
Canvassing for more support from Police, the state Commissioner of Environment, Mrs Remilekun Banigbe, made the appeal during courtesy visit to the newly posted Commissioner of Police, Emienbo Tuesday Assayamo, at the Command’s Headquarters, Ilorin.
Banigbe, made it know that illegal felling of trees has long been prohibited in the state because of its negative impact on forestation.
“We thank you for extending your hands of friendship to us whenever necessary, as well as our good working relationship with the Force so far. However, we still need your support to combat environmental issues affecting the state” she stated.
In his remark, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Pastor Abraham Kola Ojo, said the ministry has been battling with saboteurs on forest reserves, therefore needs the cooperation of police for enforcement with the aim of arresting and penalizing culprits.
“Asides deforestation and climate changes, felling of trees for charcoal production does grave damages to human health and so should be stopped henceforth.”
Ojo also sought for police cooperation in enforcing strict compliance of the people on the monthly sanitation exercise observed in the state between 7am and 8am every last Saturday of the month across the state
Responding, the new Commissioner of police, Kwara state command, Emienbo Tuesday Assayamo, said he was impressed by the Commissioner’s visit, therefore assured the ministry of his command’s maximum cooperation in combating environmental crimes across the state.
Assayamo affirmed that there is need for the Force’s collaboration with Ministry of Environment’s taskforce, for adequate enforcement of environmental law, adding that henceforth, police officers willl be stationed at the boundaries of the state to ensure compliance with the monthly sanitation exercise.
