Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu has ordered the arrest of individuals responsible for burning shelter belts in Wurno LGA, emphasizing environmental protection

Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu has directed security agencies in Wurno Local Government Area to arrest those responsible for setting ablaze shelter belts planted to combat desertification.

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Speaking on Thursday in Wurno, Governor Aliyu described the destruction as environmentally harmful and unacceptable. He emphasized that the shelter belts were planted to protect communities from desert encroachment.

“I wonder how somebody would set ablaze shelter belts planted to safeguard our environment against desert encroachment, despite repeated campaigns against indiscriminate felling of trees,” the governor said.

Aliyu warned that anyone found guilty of destroying or unlawfully cutting down trees would face prosecution under the law. He stressed that the perpetrators must be identified and punished to deter similar acts.

The governor added that the state government invests substantial resources annually in procuring and nurturing tree seedlings, which are distributed to communities vulnerable to desertification.

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He also directed the chairmen of affected local government areas to intensify monitoring and ensure the protection of shelter belts within their jurisdictions.