Katsina suspends official for allegedly selling forest reserve

The Katsina State Government on Friday ordered the immediate suspension of the Unit Head of the Forestry Department in the Malumfashi Local Government Area of the state.

The state revealed this was due to the head’s alleged involvement in the sale of parts of Makaurachi Forest Reserve in the council area.

The state government said the name of the suspended unit head, Usman Illiyasu, was featured “prominently” in the alleged illegal sales of several acres of parts of the forest reserve, which “involved tens of millions of naira.”

This was according to a statement signed by the Director of Press, Alhaji Aliyu Yaradua, on behalf of the Secretary to the State Government.

Governor Dikko Radda had also directed the Local Government Commission to identify all other officials involved in the illegal deal.

The statement read, “Usman Illiyasu’s name featured prominently in the illegal transactions.

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“The Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has also directed the Local Government Commission to thoroughly investigate the matter and determine the extent of the illegal transaction and encroachment of the land.

“The governor also directed immediate and appropriate action on those found to be involved in the illegal transaction.”

The Local Government Commission was also directed to “as a matter of urgency” report back to the governor.