The log of wood illegally fell
By Akanji Alowolodu, Bauchi
A joint operation by men of Bauchi State Police Command and Military on Saturday averted what would have been a bloody clash between community of Kurmi village in Burra district of Ningi LGA when youths of the village and some people who are illegally felling trees for wood in the Burra forest.
An eyewitness account revealed that the youths who are acting on the recently law in the state criminalizing illegal tree felling stormed the forest and set ablaze the log of wood illegally fell by the people a development that sparked off the violent clash.
The eyewitness who confided in our Correspondent said that People of Kurmi in Burra District are fed up with activities of deforestation which is being aided by the local government officials prompting the youths to storm the bushes and burnt to ashes timbers, charcoal and firewood fell by the illegal tree fellers.
He added that the illegal tree fellers are fighting back through security agencies and local government council officials thereby making the issue to now become crisis alleging that “Right now military officers are in the village beating anybody at sight”.
The eyewitness also said that, “Members of the community who are carrying out the anti deforestation exercise of government are being injured and their motorcycles burnt by the illegal tree fellers”.
It is however alleged that a top official of the local government who is a former illegal tree feller is now tactically encouraging the tree felling business in the area and sending the military and Police personnel to terrorize the people.
Though all those contacted vide telephone calls including the village of Kurmi and the youth leader, one Aminu Kurmi picked the phone, they declined comments saying that they have been barred from talking on the issue.
The Chairman of Ningi LGC, Mamuda Tabla did not pick up the phone for comment when he was called severally neither did he respond to the sms sent to his number.
Bauchi State Police Command confirmed the incident saying however that no life was lost in the clash even though it was a violent one between the two opposing sides.
The PPRO, SP Ahmed Wakili, while confirming the clash said that, “Yes, I can confirm the incident to you. Yesterday, 27th February, 2021, the Police were reliably informed at about 18.00hours, that one notorious criminal living in Kurmi village in Burra District, Ningi local government area led an attack” .
The PPRO added that, “He went to Gana village in the outskirts of Burra where the youths of that area had gathered their timber which is called Madrid and set it on fire. That led to unrest of the youths and they reacted which led to a fight between the youths and the guy” .
Ahmed Wakili confirmed that Two Bajaaj motorcycles belonging to the youths value yet unknown were burnt to ashes. A number of the youths were injured and were taken to a nearby Primary Health Care center by the Police where they were treated and discharged.
He assured that the Police in collaboration with the Army have moved to the scene of the crime and arrested four suspects in connection with the crime.
The arrested suspects are: Haruna Ado, 38 years old, Jamilu Haruna, 35 years old, Yusuf Magaji, 32 years old and Abdulrashid Adamu, 20 years old all of who are residents of that Kurmi village in Burra saying, “We will profile and transfer them to the State CID for discreet investigation” .
The Command Spokesperson however assured that Normalcy has returned to the area and everyone is going about their normal activities while surveillance has been intensified to avert further breakdown of law and order.
