The rate of deforestation in Igedeland has become a major environmental concern, with indiscriminate felling of trees reported across several communities including Uwokwu, Obi, Owo, Oburo, and the IbiIla forests.
According to a post by Igede Firsts, the constant sound of chainsaws and heavy machinery has become the new normal in these areas. Valuable economic trees that took decades to mature are being cut down daily and transported out of the communities, with trucks loaded with timber frequently seen leaving Oju on market days.
The group expressed sadness that many entrusted with protecting natural resources including traditional rulers, community leaders, and youth leaders are allegedly complicit in the short-term exploitation of the forests.
“If this trend continues unchecked, the rich forests that have sustained generations of Igede people will disappear within a few years,” the post warned. It further noted the painful possibility that future generations may have to travel to places like Makurdi or Otukpo to buy wood for building.
The appeal stressed that development should not come at the expense of environmental destruction. It called for collective responsibility through tree replanting, enforcement of environmental regulations, and promotion of sustainable forestry practices, while urging leaders to be held accountable.
