By Akpokona Omafuaire

Residents of Enwhe community in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State last Thursday staged a peaceful protest over ongoing dredging activities in the area.

The protesters, comprising youths, women, and community leaders, demanded adequate compensation for landowners and residents whose farmlands and livelihoods have been affected by the operations.

They also called for the immediate release of Prince Larry Eduvie Efekodha and four other community members who were arrested in connection with the agitation.

Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Stop Destroying Our Lands” and “Compensate Enwhe People,” the demonstrators marched through major roads in the community.

Speaking during the protest, community leader Mr. Akpos Paul said the dredging activities had caused severe erosion, destruction of farmlands, and economic hardship for residents who depend on fishing and farming.

He appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to intervene in the matter.

The protesters denied claims that they were collecting fees from dredgers, insisting they were only asking for fair compensation and royalties for the use of their land.

Women who joined the protest lamented the worsening poverty in the community, stating that many families could no longer access their farmlands due to the operations.

The community urged the Delta State Government and relevant federal agencies to urgently address their concerns to prevent any breakdown of law and order in the area.