The people of Obogoro Community in Yenagoa Local Council Area of Bayelsa have sent a “Save Our Soul” appeal to both the State and Federal Governments over the continuous loss of their ancestral lands and buildings to erosion.
Pouring their hearts out to AIT following the latest loss of six buildings to the erosion, the people of the community say they stand the risk of losing their ancestral lands permanently unless a comprehensive shoreline project is carried out by the government.
Battered by the steady tidal waves of Ekoli River, the people of Obogoro in the Yenagoa Council area of Bayelsa State have lost about sixty per cent of their original homeland to coastal erosion.
This is as repeated calls for rescue over environmental threat have failed to yield the desired result.
The traditional ruler of Obogoro community, Godwin Igodo is unhappy that the plight of his people is not getting the attention of the government.
The coastal erosion has impacted negatively on socio-economic activities in the area following the exodus of many residents.
However, a woman Regina Nelson whose house is dangerously close to the river says she is staying put, as she has nowhere to go.
As indigenes of Obogoro town await rescue, they will have the unpalatable experience of watching their ancestral land taken away piece by piece into the river.
Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe
