Illegal occupants at the Ogun State forest reserve in Area J3, Ijebu-East Local Government Area, have been instructed to leave immediately and cease the unauthorized sale of government lands.
During a recent fact-finding visit to the reserve, Commissioner for Forestry Taiwo Oludotun issued the directive.
Emphasizing that individuals or groups without valid reasons to be in the forest will not be permitted to remain, Oludotun highlighted the importance of safeguarding all government forest reserves from criminal activities by rogue elements.
The current administration is committed to ensuring the security and appropriate management of the reserves, he added.
“The Ogun State government will not tolerate illegal occupants in this reserve. Those harboring criminals must stop this practice, as the government will take strict action against any offenders,” he cautioned.
He also announced that a mandatory identification system would be implemented for legitimate occupants, with forestry officials instructed to register individuals residing in the area.
Prior to this, the ministry’s permanent secretary, Timothy Olatunji, urged local chiefs to safeguard the reserves by promoting tree planting activities throughout the year.
While farmers within the reserve are allowed to cultivate crops like cassava and maize, Olatunji emphasized that such agricultural practices should not harm the existing trees in the area.
Responding to the commissioner’s visit, Chief Adewale Aderinwale, a representative of local chiefs, expressed gratitude for the engagement and assured continued cooperation with the government.