The State Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Ebi Ben Ololo, reacted strongly to the incident, warning that poaching will not be tolerated in the state’s forests and that those responsible will face the full weight of the law.
“This poaching should stop in Bayelsa State. This is highly condemned and should not be permitted in our forests in our State,” the commissioner declared. “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.”
Investigation Underway
Commissioner Ololo confirmed that an official investigation has been launched to identify and apprehend the individuals involved in the killing, which is believed to have taken place within a government forest reserve.
He emphasized the protected status of the area, noting, “The last time I checked, the area where this act was perpetrated is a Government forest reserve that has been upgraded by the federal Government to a National Park known as Edumanom National Park. We are coming for whoever is involved.”
Edumanom Forest Reserve, located in the Nembe Local Government Area, is a critical conservation area home to endangered species including chimpanzees, monkeys, and various bird species. Its upgrade to a national park was intended to strengthen protection for its biodiversity.
A Broader Crackdown on Wildlife Crime
The killing highlights ongoing challenges in combating illegal hunting and bushmeat trade in Nigeria’s forest regions, despite existing wildlife protection laws. Chimpanzees are classified as endangered and are protected under Nigerian law, with harsh penalties for poaching.
The Bayelsa State Ministry of Environment is expected to work with federal agencies, including the National Park Service and the Department of Forestry, in the investigation. The commissioner’s statement signals a renewed push by the state to enforce environmental laws and preserve its natural heritage.
Environmental groups have long called for stronger enforcement and community sensitization to protect endangered species in the Niger Delta region, where habitat loss and hunting pose serious threats.
As the investigation proceeds, the state government has urged residents to report any suspicious wildlife activities and to respect protected areas, reiterating that conservation is a shared responsibility essential for ecological balance and sustainable development.
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