By Chesa Chesa
No fewer than 50 wildlife parks rangers have been killed by poachers and wild animals in the line of duty in Nigeria since 1991.
This was disclosed in Abuja by the Assistant Conservator of Parks and Wildlife Curator at the Presidential Villa, Mrs. Kehinde Abidemi, when she led a delegation of park rangers to the Permanent Secretary, State House, Tijjani Umar, on Friday.
Also in the delegation was the Head of the Veterinary Unit at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Dr. Haruna Tanko.
The visit was part of activities to mark the 2021 World Ranger Day (July 31).
Mrs. Abidemi stressed that the unfortunate death toll dated from 1991 when the Nigeria National Parks was established.
“On a day like this we also pay tribute to fallen hero rangers and we in the State House thank the Management for giving us the opportunity to serve in the Presidential Wildlife Collection’’.
In his remarks, the State House Permanent Secretary commended park rangers in the Presidential Villa for their role in protecting wild animals and plants in the official seat of government.
‘‘We are privileged to have you working with us in the Presidential Wildlife Collection (State House mini zoo) and I think you have distinguished yourselves in providing care to the wildlife collection that we have, continuously providing the road map for us to not only provide care to them but to also improve their wellbeing,’’ Umar told the rangers.
While acknowledging the important role the environment plays in sustaining human lives, Tijjani also paid tribute to rangers in the country who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
He said: ‘‘For those people whose responsibility it is to maintain the integrity of our flora and fauna, we owe you a huge debt of gratitude and we stand with you as you celebrate World Ranger Day on July 31.
“On behalf of our principals here in the State House, as well as the Management and Staff, we express our gratitude to you and your colleagues around the world and I congratulate our rangers and commit to support what you are doing in terms of providing everything that will make your job easier.’’
