The continuous dispute and tension regarding the relocation of the Nekede Zoo in Imo State by Governor Hope Uzodinma has not subsided as the people of Umuejechi Nekede have officially informed that all the lands included in the former Agriculture Development Corporation (ADC), which encompasses the defunct Nekede Zoo and the adjacent lands that the Imo State Government is presently encroaching upon, are the legitimate property of the people of Umuejechi Nekede. They cited the judgment of the High Court of Imo State, which was affirmed by the Court of Appeal.
The Umuejechi Central Assembly emphasized that anyone engaging with the government of Imo State or any of its agencies concerning the land or any portion of it does so at their own risk, as the land does not belong to the Government of Imo State.
The dispute over the land escalated in February when Governor Uzodima relocated the animals in the zoo to Jos Zoological Garden.
Prior to the relocation of the wildlife, there were speculations that the zoo would be converted into an estate.
The Nekede zoo is situated in the Owerri West local government area of the state. The zoological garden was established in 1976 under the state ministry of agriculture as an animal park. The zoo, which covers 10 hectares of reserved forest, accommodates a variety of animals, including lions, chimpanzees, monkeys, pythons, ostriches, and crocodiles, among other species.
With an expansive area of rainforest, strictly protected against encroachments, the Nekede Zoological Gardens possesses a natural charm that captivates visitors, along with the soothing chirping of over 1,000 species of birds that nest on the towering trees in the lush forest.
A community leader stated that although the zoo had been neglected under previous administrations in the state, the recent attempt to demolish and convert the zoo into a residential estate represents the epitome of recklessness.
Moreover, the Nigerian Association of Zoological Gardens and Wildlife Parks (NAZAP) has expressed concerns that the alleged plan to close the Imo State Zoo in Nekede will have a negative impact on conservation education, research, and tourism in Nigeria.
In a statement, the group advised Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State to reconsider the decision, stating that it would send the wrong message to the global community, especially after he had promised during the commemoration of the 2020 World Wildlife Day in Owerri, Imo State, that his administration would upgrade the facility to meet international standards.
“Our pioneer NAZAP Year Book has also listed Imo State Zoo among its flourishing national assets, thus deserving the highest recognition. We would be deeply disappointed if this allegation turns out to be true, particularly considering that the zoo is now the only surviving zoo in the South East of Nigeria,” said NAZAP.
NAZAP further revealed that “Closing down this facility, as alleged, will be a significant setback for conservation education, research, and tourism in Nigeria.”
Meanwhile, the Imo State Ministry of Environment has condemned the recent invasion of the state Zoological Garden and Wildlife Park by the host Nekede community in the Owerri West local government area of the state.
Gilbert Nnah, the permanent secretary and acting commissioner for the Ministry of Environment, made this statement while speaking with LEADERSHIP.
Nnah also denounced the community’s previous claim that the attorney-general of the state had given the forest to the community, asserting that the land still belongs to the government.