By Grace Samuel
Residents of Gashaka Gumti National Park, situated in the Gashaka Local Government Area of Taraba State, have embarked on a legal recourse against the park management, African Nature’s Investors Foundation Nigeria (ANI), and the National Park Service.
According to recent reports, the residents have raised concerns that the activities of the defendants are endangering their lives and have consequently filed a lawsuit seeking compensation amounting to N100 billion. The case has been formally lodged before the Federal High Court in Jalingo.
Expressing profound dismay, the community members lamented the destruction of their homes and the loss of their pets due to the alleged actions of the defendants.
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They have petitioned the court to declare the ongoing bombing and utilization of explosives by ANI and the Gashaka Gumti National Park rangers between February and December 2023 as unlawful, unconstitutional, and a violation of their fundamental rights.
Furthermore, the community has reported the destruction of residential properties and the demise of domestic animals as a result of certain activities. They implore the court to rule against the continued bombing and use of explosives, asserting that such actions infringe upon their basic rights and contravene established laws.
Present at the courthouse, the community members expressed their frustration with the perceived indifference of government officials towards their plight. Faced with unaddressed grievances, they have turned to the judiciary to seek redress for their concerns.
Leading the community’s efforts, Aliyu Jalo, the appointed spokesperson, urged the court to heed their pleas and intervene to alleviate the challenges posed by the defendants. The community stands resolute in their pursuit of justice and resolution of their grievances through legal channels.
