The Bayelsa State Government has strongly condemned the killing of a chimpanzee in a protected forest area of the state, describing the act as cruel, illegal, and unacceptable.
Reacting to the incident, the Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Ebi Ben Ololo, said the government would not tolerate poaching or the killing of endangered wildlife in any part of the state.
He expressed deep concern over the incident, noting that chimpanzees share close similarities with humans and should be protected, not hunted.
This poaching should stop in Bayelsa State. This is highly condemned and should not be permitted in our forests. How do you even feel killing and eating an animal that looks just like you, having all the features of a human being? This is totally unacceptable,” the Commissioner stated.
Hon. Ololo disclosed that the incident occurred within a government forest reserve that has been upgraded by the Federal Government to a National Park, known as Edumanom National Park. He emphasized that the area enjoys full legal protection under environmental and wildlife conservation laws.
The Commissioner confirmed that investigations have commenced to identify those responsible for the killing, assuring that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He further reiterated the Bayelsa State Government’s commitment to protecting forests, wildlife, and biodiversity, while calling on residents to support conservation efforts by reporting illegal activities in forest reserves.
The incident has renewed calls from environmental stakeholders for stronger enforcement of wildlife protection laws and increased public awareness on the importance of preserving endangered species.
By Eunice Nnachi, Yenagoa
