In the 1990s, Martin Egot took a stand to protect his tribe’s ancestral lands near Nigeria’s Cross River National Park. As an Indigenous Ekuri, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Ekuri Initiative, a dedicated organization focused on preserving parts of the rainforest. The efforts of the Ekuri Initiative led to a significant victory in 2009 when they successfully convinced the Cross River government to impose a moratorium on logging activities in community-controlled areas of the rainforest. This ban was enforced through the deployment of eco-guards, Ekuri men who patrolled the rainforest to deter developers and illegal loggers.
However, in 2023, the Nigerian government lifted the moratorium on logging, opening the door for timber companies to exploit the land. When a local timber company arrived without proper permits later that year, the Ekuri eco-guards took action by confiscating the company’s logging equipment. This act of resistance resulted in army personnel entering the village and resorting to violence, effectively dismantling the Ekuri Initiative as they were unable to withstand the pressure from private and government security forces hired to protect logging interests.
The plight faced by environmental and land defenders like the Ekuri is a global phenomenon. A recent report by Global Witness revealed 146 cases of homicides and kidnappings of defenders in 2024, with attacks often occurring after individuals spoke out or took action to protect their lands from mining, logging, and other extractive industries. Shockingly, one-third of the incidents targeted Indigenous peoples, highlighting the disproportionate impact on these communities. Afro-descendants, particularly those in South America, also faced violence as they defended biodiverse lands.
Colombia emerged as the deadliest country for land and environment defenders, with weak state presence and corruption contributing to high rates of lethal violence. In Asia, the Philippines saw a surge in killings and disappearances linked to government bodies. The report underscored the critical role played by these defenders in safeguarding the world’s resources, with an estimated 54% of critical mineral deposits located on or near Indigenous lands.
Despite the challenges, Martin Egot remains determined to revive the Ekuri Initiative and create employment opportunities for his community, including roles as eco-guards to protect their homelands from logging activities. He calls on the international community to hold governments accountable for upholding environmental treaties and respecting the rights of Indigenous and Afro-descendant peoples. As the world grapples with escalating environmental pressures, the voices of land and environment defenders like Egot serve as a crucial reminder of the urgent need to prioritize conservation and sustainable development practices.
