The National Park Service (NPS) sadly mourns the loss of two of its dedicated members. Deputy Conservator of Parks, Peter Amhagbor, and Chief Park Inspector, Adedokun Adeola, were tragically killed during a joint patrol operation to combat illegal mining activities at Abata-Abu axis of the Old Oyo National Park on July 24th.
The Conservator of Parks and Special Assistant on Media to the Conservator-General (CG) of NPS, Yakubu Zull, issued a statement on Wednesday detailing the incident. According to the statement, the illegal miners initially overwhelmed the patrol team, resulting in the deaths of the two officers. However, with reinforcements from the nearest patrol station, the miners were eventually overpowered, leading to the arrest of 37 suspects.
The arrested individuals, believed to be members of armed bandits from Niger and Zamfara, were subsequently handed over to the Police in Ibadan by the Park Authority. After a thorough investigation, the Police charged the miners with homicide, and the case is currently adjourned until December 14th, 2023. The miners have been remanded in the Nigerian Correctional Centre in Ibadan.
In a related development, a Magistrate court in Akamkpa town of Cross River has sentenced 14 miners to six months imprisonment for engaging in illegal mining and other related offenses within the Cross River National Park on July 19th. The court found the miners guilty based on the charges brought against them by the park, and they pleaded guilty to the charges.
The presiding Judge, Okokon Essien, stated that the miners’ activities within the park violated the laws governing the National Park Service. As a result, each miner was sentenced to six months imprisonment or a fine of N200,000, in accordance with the Service’s law. The convicted miners were then taken to the Correctional Service Centre in Calabar to serve their sentences.
Dr. Ibrahim Goni, the CG of NPS, expressed his concern about the significant challenge posed by illegal mining in Nigeria’s parks. However, despite these challenges, the NPS remains steadfast in its commitment to protect the integrity of the parks, regardless of the consequences.
CG Goni took the opportunity to commend the rangers for their unwavering dedication and loyalty to the service and their country. He also extended his condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives or suffered other losses while protecting the parks. He urged other rangers not to be deterred by the challenges they face.
In light of this tragic incident, the CG stated that the service will conduct a thorough investigation to ensure that justice is served. He called on all stakeholders within and beyond Nigeria to join forces with the NPS in eliminating illegal miners and other threats to wildlife, in order to fulfill the service’s mandate for national development.
NAN
