— Jetty, Houses Sink Into River as Mutu Mobilizes Heavy-Duty Dredgers

By Chancel Bomadi Sunday

BOMADI — The persistent menace of coastal erosion at Akugbene community in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State has escalated, prompting renewed calls from residents for urgent intervention from both the federal and state governments, as well as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). The alarming rate of erosion has threatened the very existence of the Akugbene-Mein Kingdom, leaving parts of the community submerged and key infrastructure destroyed.

The Akugbene waterfront has long been plagued by erosion, with several interventions attempted by the NDDC to halt its progress. However, the situation remains critical. Two weeks ago, a breach in the embankment led to significant land loss, and just last Thursday, the community witnessed the sudden collapse of a giant concrete landing jetty and several houses, which disappeared into the river within moments.

Eyewitness Account: “Our Jetty, Houses Disappeared Into the River”

Speaking on the incident, Mrs. Keme-awerigha Ernest, Chairlady of Akpanaka-ebodo Quarters, recounted the devastation:

“We were sitting at a corner by the waterfront on Thursday, and suddenly there was a sharp cracking sound from the landing jetty. Before we knew what was happening, the entire jetty went down the river and disappeared from sight. Houses and canoes at that spot also sank instantly. Everyone scampered for safety,” she narrated.

Mrs. Ernest called on the government and the NDDC to intervene urgently, noting that the ground beneath their feet is unstable, with visible cracks indicating more potential collapses.

“We sleep with one eye open because the cracks on the ground suggest that anything can happen at any time,” she added.

“Our Problem Started in 1959, Dredging is the Solution” — High Chief Singabele

Tracing the history of the erosion, High Chief John T. Singabele, the Azuma of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom, revealed that the first major incident occurred in 1959. He attributed the persistent erosion to an underground water current flowing beneath the community’s coastline.

“Some believe it is caused by supernatural forces, but I can tell you that it is due to an underground water current eating away at the community’s foundation. Even our divers who hunt for clams in the riverbed have confirmed that the coastline underneath is eroding,” he explained.

High Chief Singabele proposed dredging the sandbank across the river as the only viable solution to redirect the river’s current and prevent further erosion.

The Chairman of Akugbene Community, Comrade Edougha Eyenanabor Cletus, advocated for the construction of a channel on the opposite side of the community. According to him, redirecting the River Forcados’ current into Akólóba brook, which drains into the outskirts of the community, would alleviate the pressure on the waterfront.

“Where I’m standing to grant this interview is not safe. The ground is cracked, and buildings are marked. The government needs to act quickly to save our community,” Cletus pleaded.

In response to the growing threat, Hon. Nicholas Ebomo Mutu, the lawmaker representing Patani/Bomadi Constituency in the House of Representatives, has mobilized heavy-duty dredgers to the Akugbene waterfront. Mutu, an indigene of the community, revealed that the equipment would arrive this week and dredging operations would commence immediately.

“Efforts have been made over the years, but the river’s underground current has sabotaged those interventions. This time, we are determined to tackle it head-on. I have personally ordered heavy-duty dredgers to address the issue,” Mutu stated.

He also hinted at plans for a canalization project, noting that the community would meet soon to determine the best way forward.