The Okuni forest community, in Ikom local government of Cross River State, said it is seeking adequate compensation for the recent huge loss of its extensive forests.
They also stated that they will take legal action against the so-called green bandits, who are said to have the support of prominent people.
The community, in a statement signed by their spokesman, Odey Oyama of Forest Resources and Development Centre, lamented that the forest in Okuni community is under severe threat of extinction, as it is being wantonly destroyed by forest bandits with the tacit approval of the Forestry Commission.
Two weeks ago, Governor Benedict Ayade vowed to punish his appointees and other government officials alleged to be involved in illegal wood logging in parts of the vast forest reserves in the state.
He also said that all others involved in illegal wood logging are going to face hard times.
