Residents of Obogoro community in Bayelsa State, have raised the alarm over ongoing illegal dredging activities behind their homes, warning that the situation posed a serious threat to their homes and safety.
One of the residents, Chief Nnamdi Egbo, who hails from the Famgbe community but recently completed his house in Obogoro, said he had made several appeals to the state government through the appropriate ministry to halt the dredging, but his efforts had yielded no response.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the visibly distressed homeowner described the situation as dire and called for urgent intervention from the Federal Government.
“I have written and pleaded with the state government through the ministry concerned, but nothing has been done. The dredging is happening right behind my house, and it is weakening the ground. My building is no longer safe,” he said.
He explained that the continuous excavation of sand in close proximity to his property had led to visible signs of structural stress, including cracks and soil displacement.
According to him, if the activity continues unchecked, it could lead to a collapse.
“This is a disaster waiting to happen,” Chief Egbo warned. “I am sending a save-our-soul message to the Federal Government to urgently step in and stop this illegal activity before it destroys my home.”
Residents in the area also expressed concern over the environmental and safety implications of the dredging, noting that such operations, when unregulated, could lead to erosion, flooding and loss of property.
Chief Egbo further questioned the legality of the dredging operation, alleging that those behind it have continued their activities despite complaints from affected community members.
“We don’t know who authorised this dredging, but it is clearly not being done with any regard for safety or environmental standards. The government must protect its citizens and right now, we feel abandoned,” he stated.