There are reported fear among residents of Grand Gedeh as Burkinabe allegedly take over several communities reserved national forest in the southeastern region of Liberia .
Speaking in Toe Town, Kelvin Kayee, Commissioner of B,hai District explained that the huge present of Burkinabe living in the forest in the district is making farm in the community reserved forest.
According to Commissioner Kayee, more than 5,000 Burkinabe are allegedly living in the forest in towns and villages carrying out farming activities without the knowledge of the government .
“Women don’t go on the farm alone for fear of Burkinabe in the forest,” Commissioner Kayee revealed.
The Gbao District Land Officer, Odesco Seo, alleged that Burkinabe are taking over the lands in some of the communities’ reserved national forest.
Tension is reportedly mounting between local communities members and Burkinabe over the alleged farming in community reserved national forest couple with destruction of the forest with chemical.
FDA Region 4 Central office in Zwedru when contacted, the FDA Regional Extension Officer Moses Kolubah confirmed the alleged destruction of communities national reserved forest by the Burkinabe.
“The information is true and correct. Burkinabe has taken over Manbo One and two communities national reserved forest in Gbarzon District, Neezonic Community Forest, Thien Mayney Community Forest including the Quoi National Park and other concessional areas,” Kolubah added.
“Beside, Burkinabe have taken over the communities’ national reserved forest in the county and are destroying the forest using chemicals to kill trees plant species; they are destroying the forest and few years from now, the county will turns desert land,” Kolubah revealed.
