The Isua community in Akoko South-East Local Council of Ondo State has raised the alarm over alleged widespread deforestation and encroachment on its ancestral farmlands, accusing the police of failing to intervene despite reports of the activities.
Community leaders said large stretches of farmland and economic trees had been destroyed through indiscriminate logging and bulldozing allegedly carried out by external actors and corporate interests.
In a Save Our Soul statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Association of Isua Advisory Council, Ajoke Alecs, and its Secretary, Akiniyi Adeyemi, the community described the situation as a serious threat to its environment, economy and security.
The statement alleged that illegal tree felling was ongoing on agricultural lands, in violation of state forestry and environmental protection policies.
It added that the activities had extended to the unlawful occupation and destruction of community farmlands, which serve as the primary source of livelihood for local farmers.
The community also accused the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Isua of failing to act after the matter was reported to the local police station.
According to the statement, rather than investigate the allegations and prevent further destruction, the DPO allegedly sided with those accused of the activities and dismissed the matter as a civil dispute.
The community, however, argued that illegal logging, violation of forestry regulations, wilful damage to property and criminal trespass were offences requiring law enforcement intervention.
It expressed concern that the alleged failure of the police to act had emboldened those responsible and heightened tension in the area.
Consequently, the community appealed to the Ondo State Government to urgently deploy a task force or officials of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to inspect the affected farmlands and halt the alleged illegal deforestation.
It also called for government intervention to protect farmers and community lands from further encroachment and destruction.
The association further urged the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State to investigate the conduct of the Isua DPO, particularly the allegations of bias and failure to respond to the community’s complaints.
It also demanded the identification and prosecution, in accordance with relevant state laws, of individuals and groups found responsible for the alleged illegal logging and destruction of farmland.