12/01/2026
The recent report about a chimpanzee being killed in a Bayelsa forest, and the Ministry of Environment allegedly searching for the person responsible, has raised important concerns that deserve calm reflection.
There is no doubt that protecting wildlife is important. The killing of endangered animals can lead to extinction, which means the complete disappearance of a species. Extinction may occur naturally through climate changes or disasters, but today it is mostly driven by human actions such as deforestation, pollution, excessive hunting, and climate change. This loss of biodiversity has serious consequences for the environment and for humanity as a whole.
However, it is also important to ask a thoughtful question: what if the situation had been reversed and a human life was lost in the forest? How often do we see strong and consistent government responses when innocent citizens are killed by bandits operating in our forests in Bayelsa State?
While the lives of animals are valuable and should be protected, human lives must also be treated with equal or greater urgency. Both can and should be safeguarded.
Rather than focusing only on finding the person who killed the chimpanzee, it may be more beneficial for the Ministry of Environment to intensify public education. Teaching people the importance of peaceful coexistence with wildlife will help prevent future conflicts and reduce the risk of extinction.
In the same spirit, the Ministry should apply equal effort toward securing our forests from criminal elements. This will allow farmers to return to their farms safely and ensure that both humans and wildlife can thrive in a protected environment.
Yours sincerely,
Ifidi wonyengiidimiedo Bigben
A Concerned Citizen
Cc: Perekeme Fidelis