It could be recalled that in March 2024, up to twenty-one perennial trees, among those placed under government embargo and locally known as Dutakubo, were illegally cut from the forest. The youth in Nioro Jattaba managed to confiscate eighteen of these logs.
An initial attempt by the Regional Forestry Office to sell the logs before questioning any suspects or bringing the matter before the justice system was rejected by the Nioro community.
However, this time the Regional Forestry Officer, Mr Lamin Bajo, proceeded to sell the logs at what was described as “a giveaway price of D25,000” without any evidence of judicial action. An experienced dealer in the sale of logs argued that the value of the eighteen logs was significantly higher than the price at which they were sold. He stated that he offered a higher bid, but his offer was not entertained by the forestry officer. Mr Bajo contended that only sixteen logs were reported and sold, and this constituted half a trip, which he claimed was sold at the right price.
The Kiang West District Tribunal had initially summoned some suspects to appear in court on 18th May. However, according to the Chief of Kiang West, Mr Lamin Drammeh, the case was withdrawn from his court by the Forestry Office. He explained that the withdrawal was prompted by a delegation from Nioro Jattaba and Wudeba pleading on behalf of the suspects. Consequently, an arrangement was made for the four suspects to pay a fee out of court.
Mr Jola Bojang, the Forestry Officer at the Dumbuto Forest Station, who executed the sale of the logs, said he was instructed by the Regional Forestry Officer to do so after the Chief had decided a fine of D5,000 each for the four suspects connected to the illegal logging. The Chief of Kiang West noted that the remaining decisions regarding the sale were entirely at the discretion of the Forestry Office.
The Alkalo of Nioro Jattaba village, Mr Hamadi (Sutay) Bah, expressed his surprise at the sale. He stated that he was unaware of any court proceedings regarding the illegal cutting of the trees. "There was no evidence of a trial on the matter or an order from any court to allow the sale of the confiscated logs. I am surprised to hear from Mr Bojang that they have sold all eighteen logs for D25,000, with a thirty percent commission and labour in transporting the logs from the forest calculated at D10,000 as the share for the Nioro community," he said.
The Chairman of the Village Development Committee of Nioro Jattaba, Mr Momodou Kolley, expressed his disappointment with the handling of forestry crimes by the Forestry Office. He noted that this was not the first time the Forestry Office had demonstrated a lack of transparency and respect for Nioro Jattaba in the administration of forestry matters. "What happened is tyrannical and it is a sign that no one can protect our forest because the office that should empower us is not showing interest in the administration of justice," he said.
