Yenagoa—Former Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Wildlife enthusiast, Tarinyo Akono has raised alarm over the ‘indiscriminate’ killing of chimpanzees, gorillas and other endangered species in the Edumanom forest reserve located in Nembe and Ogbia local government areas of Bayelsa State.
According to Akono, chimpanzees located a few kilometers from Etiama in Nembe and across the forest of Ogbia local government are being hunted and killed by unknown persons for food and sale.
According to Waka News Now, Akono spoke while addressing newsmen in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital on Tuesday.
He said chimpanzees which are endangered species need protection especially from government.
The former NUJ boss therefore called on government to take urgent steps to check the reported killing of the animals.
He stressed that government has to protect animals listed as endangered species.
He said it was disheartening to see two chimpanzees killed in a single day this year, adding that between January 2022 to date seven gorillas have been killed for bush meat.
Akono also called on traditional rulers in the two LGAs, particularly in Etiema and Akepelai communities to warn their people not to kill the gorillas, adding that in the Wildlife Protection Act of 2016, the killing of a gorilla attracts a 10-year jail term.
The animals if made friendly enough will attract tourists and will serve as a huge revenue earner for our state, he added.