16/01/2026
The Emerging Genderplus Outreach Team (EGOT), an NGO dedicated to the protection of women and children in forest-dependent communities, issues this urgent appeal on behalf of the Ekuri Community of Cross River State. We are witnessing a grave violation of indigenous land rights, community-led conservation, and human safety.
For months, timber merchant Mr. Eze Mark has exploited the Ekuri Community Forest—a world-class model for community-led conservation. While he previously used immense wealth and influence to create divisions among community leadership and bypass collective consent, the Ekuri people have now achieved a unified, unanimous stance: the destruction of their forest must end.
On January 12, 2026, the community’s youth took a decisive, non-violent stand. In a move to halt further illegal felling of ancient trees, they peacefully requested the removal of batteries and keys from logging equipment (video attached), placing them in the custody of the Clan Head to ensure transparency and safety.
In a retaliatory abuse of power, Mr. Mark has weaponized the Zone 6 Police in Calabar to criminalize this peaceful defense. This has resulted in:
The Targeted Arrest of Dr. Martins Egot, a prominent environmentalist and community leader on distorted charges.
Ongoing Legal Harassment of the Ekuri Clan Head for taking custody of the batteries and keys from the logging equipment, and the Youth Leader for leading a nonviolent protest to halt further logging. These leaders are being intimidated by the police to force their submission to Mr. Mark’s selfish interests.
As an NGO focused on the safety of women and children, we witness firsthand how the arrival of aggressive, unauthorized logging camps in Ekuri forest creates a vacuum of safety. When the forest is plundered, women and children face the highest risks of poverty, displacement, and Gender-Based Violence. The intimidation of traditional leaders is not just a legal issue; it is a direct threat to the social fabric protecting the most vulnerable.
Therefore, the Emerging Genderplus Outreach Team, standing in total solidarity with the Ekuri Community, demands:
Cessation of Harassment: We demand an end to the police intimidation of Dr. Martins Egot and the Ekuri traditional leadership. The police must stop serving as the private security force of a timber merchant.
Immediate Evacuation: Mr. Eze Mark must remove all equipment and personnel from the Ekuri Forest immediately.
Government Intervention: We call on the Cross River State and Federal Governments to investigate the legality of Mr., Mark’s operations in this protected area.
The Ekuri people have spoken with one voice: Our forest is the lungs of the region and the heritage of our people. We refused to be bullied by “big money”.
We ask your organization to amplify this alert, pressure Nigerian authorities to protect indigenous rights, and stand with the Ekuri people in this critical hour.
Signed,
Aaron Egot GBV-I,
Executive Director
Emerging Genderplus Outreach Team (EGOT) is a 21st century Women’s Rights, non-profit organization in Nigeria. Established in 2018, the organization is working with forest communities to prevent Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and secure the rights of women and girls.
Tel: +2348066254074, 08055658743
Abuja address: Plot 175, Traders Layout, Tungamaje Abuja, Nigeria
Calabar address: No. 24 Ediba Road, Onyx Plaza, Big Qua, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.
Website: https://www.emergingenderplus.org
Email:[email protected],[email protected]
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emergingenderplus/
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