Bayelsa Journalist Raises Alarm as Illegal Dredging Threatens Home, Seeks Urgent Federal Government Intervention
A Bayelsa-based journalist and environmental advocate, Eunice Nnachi, has cried out for urgent intervention from the Federal and State Governments following an alleged illegal dredging operation near her residence in Obogoro community, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Nnachi said she woke up on Sunday morning to the sound of heavy machinery being moved into the area to commence dredging operations. According to her, when she questioned the operators, they threatened to beat her up if she tried to stop them.
“They brought in dredging equipment very close to my house. When I asked who authorized them, they became aggressive and threatened me. I am afraid for my life, my home, and my community,” she said emotionally.
The journalist, who has consistently advocated for environmental protection and women’s rights, said she immediately alerted relevant authorities, but the perpetrators remained defiant and continued preparations to begin work.
Obogoro community, located along the Nun River, has suffered severe cases of coastal erosion and flooding over the years, leading to loss of homes, community lands, and infrastructure. Residents fear that fresh dredging activity could worsen the erosion and threaten lives and property.
Environmental activist Alagoa Morris of Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) condemned the reported dredging attempt, questioning the rationale behind it in an already vulnerable area.
“What exactly are they trying to do? Are the dredgers within the environment? With the sort of riverbank erosion already eating off the community land, private and public property, it would be hard to believe that the community will allow anyone to carry out dredging activities in such an environment,” Morris stated.
He further noted that just last week, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Environment issued a public statement urging residents to report any unauthorized dredging activities.
“Please take advantage of that government announcement by reaching out directly to the Honourable Commissioner for Environment,” he advised.
Nnachi appealed to the Federal Ministry of Environment, NESREA, and the Bayelsa State Government to urgently deploy security and environmental officials to stop the illegal activity, investigate those involved, and safeguard her life and property.
“This is a cry for help. I am pleading with the government to act now before something tragic happens,” she added.
