By Faridat Salifu
Katsina State Government under the leadership of Governor Dikko Umar Radda has announced its intention to reclaim all forests that have been unlawfully converted into farmlands across the 34 local government areas in the state.
The government took this decision in the wake of the approval of a report from an investigative committee that identified strategic forests converted to farmlands.
The government decision was communicated via a statement issued on Friday by The Director of Press at the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Aliyu-Yar’adua.
He directed individuals who have acquired farmlands from the state forests must vacate them immediately noting that the committee will begin enforcing this directive.
Part of the statement reads: “The public is reminded that only the Governor has the authority to approve the allocation of any government forest or land in urban areas within the state.”
Yar’Adua noted that the government’s move aims at restoration of the state forest lands and uphold environmental regulations.
He warned all illegal occupants of the state forests ton adhere to this directive and avoid legal consequences.