Imo zoo workers protest alleged relocation to Jos

There is tension in Imo State over the alleged relocation of Imo Zoological Garden to Jos zoo in Plateau State.

The Nation learnt on Saturday that the few remaining animals in the zoo located at Nekede in Owerri West Local Government Area were being evacuated to Jos zoo.

The staff of the zoo staged a protest blocking the animal trapping trucks, not minding the heavy police visibility in the area.

The workers, numbering over 15, were seen at the gate refusing to allow the trucks out of the garden.

They demanded 10 months’ salary arrears but administrators from Jos zoo refused the demand for inventories and picture evidence.

One of the workers,who pleaded anonymity for fear of being victimised, said:  “Some trucks used to trap animals have arrived at the Imo State Zoological Garden to evacuate the animals to Jos zoo in Plateau State. We are saying that our 10 months salary arrears they are owing us be paid to us before they can relocate the zoo.”

Sources said the government had planned to relocate the only zoo in the entire southeast

“We are resisting the move and demanding that before the animals would be evacuated, the state government must pay us our 10 months salary arrears,” the protesting workers said.

Imo Commissioner for Tourism, Jerry Egemba was yet to respond to the matter as of the time of filing this report.

The public relations officer of the ministry of Tourism, Ben Uwakwe told newsmen that he could not comment on the development since he was not briefed on the matter.

(Nation)