Ibrahima yakubu
An environmental journalist has raised serious concerns over the continuous destruction of historic mahogany trees along Independence Way in Kaduna State.
The Head of Communications and Strategy at African Climate Reporters (ACR), Ibrahima Yakubu, disclosed that several mahogany trees located around the Kaduna State House of Assembly are facing threats by citizens and traditional herbalists who punch the trees to extract medicinal substances.
Yakubu explained that the growing demand for herbal medicine, coupled with insecurity in forest areas caused by banditry and kidnapping, has forced many herbalists to abandon forest sourcing and instead exploit roadside trees.
According to him, findings from a recent survey revealed that most of the historical trees along Independence Way show clear signs of repeated punching and cutting, raising fears that the trees may eventually disappear.
He stressed the urgent need for government intervention to stop the persistent destruction of the trees, warning that continued damage could lead to the loss of these valuable indigenous species.
Yakubu called on relevant stakeholders to intensify public awareness campaigns to educate residents on the environmental consequences of damaging the mahogany trees.
He noted that the trees play a crucial role in improving air quality, protecting road infrastructure, and combating climate change and other forms of environmental degradation.
He further emphasized the importance of planting more trees while safeguarding existing ones from illegal exploitation.
The ACR official urged the Kaduna State Government, environmental activists, climatologists, and civil society organizations to collaborate in ending the destruction of trees along Independence Way.
Yakubu also highlighted that the serene environment around the Kaduna State House of Assembly attracts millions of migratory birds from various parts of the world, which use the area as a breeding ground.
He appealed to the Kaduna State House of Assembly to enact laws prohibiting the punching, cutting, and destruction of the historic trees to preserve Kaduna’s environmental heritage.
