…We’re living in perpetual fear — Community Chair

…As lawmaker makes personal effort, sends dredgers to community

By Chancel Bomadi Sunday

BOMADI— Indigenes of Akugbene, the traditional headquarters of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom in Bomadi Local Government Area, Delta State, have renewed their call for urgent intervention from the Federal Government and intervention agencies to tackle the persistent coastal erosion threatening the community’s survival.

They also appealed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State to act swiftly in safeguarding lives and property in the riverine enclave.

Located along the Forcados River, Akugbene community has been struck by severe coastal erosion twice in three weeks, leaving visible cracks on the ground and damaging surrounding buildings, causing widespread panic.

During a visit by Vanguard to assess the situation, fear was evident among residents as cracks continued to spread across the community’s coastline, signaling the threat of another imminent disaster.

We’re Living in Perpetual Fear — Community Chair

Speaking on behalf of the community, Comrade Edougha Eyenanabor Cletus, Chairman of Akugbene Community, expressed the residents’ constant state of fear:

“As Chairman of Akugbene Urban Community, I want to once again appeal to both the Federal and State Governments, as well as intervention agencies, to rescue Akugbene from total submersion. We live in perpetual fear day and night because of the coastal erosion threatening us.”

He continued: “Everyone is afraid because we don’t know what might happen next, especially with these cracks on the ground and buildings. We sleep with one eye open, both day and night. I call on the Federal Government, the State Government, and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to come to our aid without delay. We also need palliatives, as we have lost our livelihoods, including canoes and fishing nets, to this disaster.”

The community chairman commended Hon. Nicholas Mutu, the lawmaker representing Patani/Bomadi Federal Constituency, for his swift intervention by deploying dredgers to sand-fill the community’s waterfront to curb the erosion.

“I want to commend Hon. Nicholas Mutu for his quick intervention by sending dredgers to dredge sand from the riverbank to our waterfront. His effort is a temporary but significant step towards mitigating the situation,” Cletus remarked.

A community leader, Elder Philip Gillor, also praised Mutu’s efforts, highlighting the lawmaker’s long-standing commitment to the community.

“Mutu has been supportive since 1999, influencing numerous projects for Akugbene and the entire constituency. He personally funded the dredging project, which shows his love and commitment to the people. I sincerely thank him and urge the authorities to act swiftly before it’s too late,” Gillor stated.

The people of Akugbene remain hopeful that the Federal Government, the Delta State Government, and relevant agencies will respond urgently to prevent further damage and ensure the community’s survival.