Ondo Govt Arrests Six Over Illegal Indian Hemp Cultivation In Forest Reserve
The Ondo State Government has arrested six suspects for allegedly cultivating Indian hemp in the Akure forest reserve, popularly known as Queens Plot.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Mr. Leye Akinola, told journalists in Akure on Tuesday that the government would not tolerate the destruction of protected forests for cannabis cultivation.
Akinola decried the influx of planters from other states, describing their activities as harmful to the environment and society.
“The state government has achieved a significant milestone in its fight against cannabis cultivation and forest destruction with the arrest of six suspected planters. The forest where the suspects were arrested is a protected area prohibited from logging, farming, and other activities,” he said.
Permanent Secretary in the Forestry/Produce sub-sector, Mr. Segun Odusanya, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding the forestry sector from encroachment.
He assured that the suspects would be investigated and prosecuted in line with forestry laws and commended the Nigeria Forest Security Services for promptly acting on intelligence to apprehend the suspects.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
