The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) has warned residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) against indiscriminate bush burning during the dry season.
Mr Ibrahim Muktar, Head, Public Relations and Outreach Unit, AEPB, gave the warning in an interview with newsmen on Friday in Abuja.
Muktar said that bush burning could force rodents such as rats to flee forests, their natural habitats, spread certain infectious and strange diseases.
“As you are all aware, we are already in the dry season, so let us avoid bush burning.
“We should not engage in such practice at all because it may escalate or cause the outbreak of certain diseases like Lassa fever.
“Bush burning is capable of forcing rodents or reptiles to vacate their natural habitats and cause the outbreak of diseases that can affect human beings.
“Some people are in the habit of burning bushes around them indiscriminately during dry season.
“The board frowns at this unwholesome practice and is warning FCT residents to desist from it,’’ he said.
According to him, AEBP is, however, committed to putting in place some preventive measures through effective campaigns against indiscriminate bush burning in the territory.
The unit head also advised the residents to imbibe the habit of keeping their surroundings clean and healthy.
“We need to keep our environment clean all the times but that does not mean that we should do that in the name of burning bushes.
“Also, improper dumping of wastes can cause some serious diseases; we need to clean our environment all the time and ensure that our waste is managed in a proper manner,” he said.
Muktar said that the board would continue to sensitise residents to salient issues on their environment and health so as to promote their well-being.
