By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Jos
The Plateau State Tourism Corporation (PSTC) has temporarily sealed all pedestrian entry points into the Jos Wildlife Park following repeated incidents of illegal grazing, mining and other unauthorised activities within the conservation area.
The corporation said herders had been sneaking cattle into the park for night grazing between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m., exploiting periods of reduced security presence.
According to the agency, the trespassers gain access through water channels and by breaking padlocks on gates along the park’s western boundary near the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) headquarters.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by Thomas Artu on behalf of the management, the PSTC announced tougher security measures to curb the illegal activities and safeguard the park.
It said all pedestrian access routes had been temporarily shut, while surveillance and patrols within and around the park had been intensified.
The corporation added that joint operations involving the police and other security agencies were underway to identify, arrest and prosecute offenders, disclosing that some herders and illegal miners had already been arrested and prosecuted.
PSTC reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing environmental laws and protecting the park, describing it as one of Plateau State’s most valuable tourism and conservation assets.
The agency also said Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration was implementing long-term measures to strengthen security around the park and prevent further encroachment.
It commended neighbouring communities, especially Dong Kassa, for their vigilance and urged residents to continue reporting suspicious activities to help preserve the wildlife park for future generations.
