Cross River gets green policemen to protect forest

Cross River State government has established Green Police as part of efforts to protect and teach residents how to benefit from the resources of the vast forests in the state. The state governor, Prof. Bernard Ayade, said the body would not be arm carrying but civilians whose duties would be to look after the state’s vast forest resources.
Over the weekend, over 10,000 applicants, including PhD holders and pregnant women thronged the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar to be recruited whereas only 1500 young men with OND and NCE were required for recruitment.
Ayade said, “While the Green Policemen shall not bear arm, they would be a friendly force whose major duty shall be to teach the people how to help protect and manage the forests.
“They shall be adorned in green, their boots green, their bicycles and helmets shall be green.
“The Green Police shall consist of people who are trained in the art of tree planting and tree management.”