By Archibong Jeremiah
Following the public outcry and criticism of the worrisome state of wood logging in Cross River State, the Governor, Senator Ben Ayade has warned those involved in the criminal activities to desist or face the full wrath of the law.
Governor Ayade gave the stern warning during a recent security meeting in Calabar, with Chairmen of the 18 Local Government Areas of the State.
Sources at the meeting which held Tuesday 11 May, 2021, informed CrossRiverWatch that the Chairmen of the affected LGAs went as far as naming some of the kingpins involved in illegal logging of timber including their beneficiaries in the corridors of power.
The Governor was said to have frowned at the indiscriminate destruction of the rain forest and the danger it poses to the wildlife and communities and vowed to set an example with any of the LG chair who allows stolen timber to pass through their territory.
It will be recalled that the current administration has been accused severally of turning a blind eye to activities of illegal wood loggers in the protected rain forest in Cross River State.
Several LGAs in central Cross River State, including Boki, Obubra, Ikom Local Government Areas are currently the hot bed of the ongoing illegal logging.
While many have blamed the Chinese merchants who mostly patronize the loggers for the deforestation, several pundits are equally pointing accusing fingers at appointees of the Governor and community leaders, as those spearheading the massive logging.