Residents displaced as erosion destroys Bayelsa community

Residents of Obogoro community in Bayelsa have fled their homes after erosion destroyed buildings and lands in the area.

The incident, which took place on Sunday night, left residents displaced as deep gullies were left in parts of the community, rendering such areas inhabitable.

Ada Gwegwe, an activist in the ‘Save Obogoro Campaign’, a non-governmental organisation, told NAN that the overflowing Ikoli river in the area constitutes a threat to the entire community.

Gwegwe called on the relevant authorities and NGOs to come to the community’s aid, adding that the area may soon become history if urgent and proper measures are not taken.

On his part, Richard Somkume, a chief in Obogoro, appealed to the state and federal governments to expedite action to save the community from extinction.

Pulu Yogoi, Obogoro community secretary, noted that as the peak of the rainy season approaches, with impending floods, there is a looming danger if nothing is done urgently.

He said the community had experienced severe landslides that washed away the NYSC lodge, the community primary school, and football field into the Ikoli river.

“Farmlands with crops worth millions of naira have not been spared as the economic livelihoods of the people have also been lost to the menace,” he said.

“St. Paul’s Primary School, located in Famgbe, a neighbouring community that would have served as an alternative for the pupils has long been washed into the river with children from Obogoro forced to travel far to acquire basic education.”

Residents also called on the Bayelsa and federal governments to come to their rescue.