Unlawful cutting of trees endangers Millikin hill, roads, govt orders arrest of perpetrators

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The unending criminal cutting down of trees within the Millikin hill area of Enugu state has been condemned by the state government as inimical to the hill, road and environment.

The hill located in the Ngwo, Enugu North Local Government Area of the state, according to the state commissioner for Information Nnanyelugo Chidi Aroh, said continues logging in the area exposes the area and by extension the state to deforestation, washes off the road and affects the environment.

In the message titled, “unabating, deliberate and wicked logging in and around the Milliken Hill”,  Aroh stated:

“All relevant Government Agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and Forest Guards, have been mandated as a matter of urgency to clamp down on all such activities and bring the perpetrators to justice”.

The nefarious activities he said have continued to negatively affect the biodiversity and climate of the area and put the Milliken Hill Road at risk, frowned at continued disobedience to the orders of the state government.

“The state government had previously warned against the unlawful activities and indeed invited the press on a tour of Milliken Hill, to bring to public notice, the threat these illegal and senseless acts of a few, have brought, not just to the environment but also to the stability and sustenance of the Milliken Hill Road”.

 “The state government is unwavering in its commitment to the protection of the environment and all infrastructure in the state, Aroh enjoined all well-meaning members of the public to assist in the arrest/apprehension of these miscreants by promptly alerting the security agencies whenever they sight them engaging in their nefarious activities,” Aroh said.