Illegal Logging Sparks Outcry as Ekuri Women Seek Assembly Action
Women from Ekuri community in Akamkpa Local Government Area have petitioned the Cross River State House of Assembly over the worsening impact of illegal logging on their environment and livelihoods.
In a petition dated March 26, 2026, the women said continuous deforestation and timber exploitation are threatening their means of survival and disrupting daily life. The document, signed by community women leaders, highlighted concerns such as harassment by logging operators, loss of forest resources and increasing threats to food security.
The petitioners alleged that despite existing state government restrictions, illegal logging persists due to weak enforcement. They claimed that large volumes of timber are transported out of the forest daily, while attempts by residents to resist the activities are often met with intimidation by security personnel reportedly engaged by loggers.
The women also raised concerns over infrastructure damage caused by heavy duty trucks used for logging. They noted that the only road linking the old and new sections of Ekuri has deteriorated significantly, with broken down vehicles sometimes blocking access for days.
Citing environmental data, the petition stated that more than 90,000 tonnes of timber are illegally harvested in Cross River State annually. It also referenced reports indicating that over 540 square miles of tree cover had been lost in Ekuri and surrounding areas as of 2024, heightening fears of biodiversity loss and ecological imbalance.
The women stressed that they bear the brunt of the situation, as many depend on the forest for food, firewood and medicinal plants. They said restricted access now forces them to venture deeper into the forest under unsafe conditions, even as they remain excluded from key decisions on forest management.
They urged the State House of Assembly to take urgent steps to address the situation, including involving women and youths in forest management programmes, partnering with conservation groups on reforestation efforts and establishing clear guidelines for regulated logging practices.
The petition was jointly signed by community representatives, including Women Leader, Mrs. Lawrencia Agbor, and others, who urged immediate action to halt illegal logging and protect the future of the community.
