Gashaka Gumti National Park: Residents Drag ANI To Court, Accuse Park Rangers Of Killing Community Members

In a bid to seek justice for alleged damages, residents of Gashaka Gumti Park in Taraba State have taken legal action against the management of Gumti National Park.along with the African Nature's Investors Foundation Nigeria (ANI) and the National Park Service. 

The lawsuit,  filed at the Federal High Court sitting in Jalingo, the state capital, seeks compensation of a hundred billion naira for claimed damages.

The residents claim that the activities of the defendants have resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of houses, and killing of domestic animals in their community.

 They accuse ANI and the Gashaka Gumti National Park rangers of engaging in unlawful and unconstitutional activities, including the alleged killing of community members and the bombardment of homes with explosive devices between February and December 2023.

Led by their counsel, Isa Jalo, the community asserted that the defendants' actions threaten their existence and seek a declaration from the court that such activities are illegal and unconstitutional.

 They also demanded an order for the defendants to cease their alleged threatening behavior and pay damages for the losses incurred.

The residents, armed with placards bearing various inscriptions, expressed frustration with the lack of response from both the state and the federal governments to their plight, leading them to resort to legal action.

 Community leader Aliyu Jalo emphasizes the importance of the court in seeking justice and restoring freedom to the community.

The residents who are of the view that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man, said they are optimistic that the court will help in mopping the tears presently streaming down the faces of the people of the community.