Residents of Obagie Nokenkporo Community in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State have raised alarm over the discharge of hazardous effluents into their river by Chinese companies operating in the neighboring Utesi community.
The outcry prompted an on-the-spot inspection by the Edo State Ministry of Environment and Sustainability to assess the environmental damage allegedly caused by the industrial activities.
Leading the inspection team, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Jude Ekpu, assured the community that the state government was committed to finding a lasting solution to the issue. He emphasized the government’s duty to protect the health and wellbeing of citizens, adding that an environmental consultant would soon be engaged to conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged soil and water pollution.
“We are here today in response to your concerns. The government does not take lightly any threat to the lives and environment of our people. We will ensure this matter is properly investigated and resolved,” Ekpu stated.
He revealed that the ministry was already working on plans to assess the environmental impact of the effluents, determine the extent of pollution, and implement appropriate mitigation measures to restore the ecosystem.
Representing the Odionwere of the community, Pa. Napoleon Igue, the Vice-Odionwere, Mr. Joseph Asuni, expressed deep concern over the deteriorating condition of the river. He lamented the loss of aquatic life and the community’s growing difficulty in accessing clean water.
“Our people can no longer fish in the river. The water is no longer safe, and we fear for our health. We appeal to the government to come to our aid urgently,” Asuni pleaded.
The Community Youth Leader, Mr. Destiny Osagiator, also recounted how the Chinese firm had initially approached the community under the guise of wanting to channel floodwater into the river. However, the community later discovered that the company was dumping chemical waste into the river instead.
“This has endangered our people. Many fishermen have lost their livelihoods, and there are increasing health concerns among residents,” Osagiator said.
The Ministry’s visit, while bringing some reassurance to the community, has intensified calls for immediate government intervention and accountability from the implicated firms.
Environmental activists and community leaders continue to urge the state government to take decisive steps to safeguard rural communities from industrial pollution and ensure that corporate activities do not compromise public health and environmental sustainability.
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