By Obiabin Onukwugha
The Odioma Community situated in the Brass local government area of Bayelsa State faces an imminent risk of being eroded away if swift and decisive measures are not promptly taken to rectify the situation.
This pressing concern was brought to light by Chief Marlin Omiemunafa, the Chairman of the Odioama Council of Chiefs, during a visit by Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Wednesday.
The purpose of the Governor’s visit was to assess the extent of the devastation inflicted upon the community by the relentless encroachment of ocean waters.
Omiemunafa emphasized that the community’s very existence is now at stake, underscoring the urgent need for governmental intervention.
He pointed out that the destructive ocean surge has already wiped out approximately 250 homes, leaving a trail of displacement and despair in its wake.
The Chairman of the Odioma Council of Chiefs further highlighted the grim reality that the community now finds itself situated perilously close to the shores of the vast Atlantic Ocean.
The encroachment of the surging waters has already claimed around 200 meters of the community’s once-solid land, exacerbating the dire circumstances.
He lamented that a significant number of residents have been forcibly uprooted from their homes, as the menacing ocean surge swallowed their dwellings in a wave of destruction.
In response, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri offered reassurance to the beleaguered community, pledging immediate remedial actions by his administration.
Furthermore, he expressed hope for federal government intervention to provide a lasting and sustainable solution to this critical issue.
Governor Diri, as conveyed through a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, detailed the state government’s plan to initiate a shore protection project spanning 1.5 kilometers.
This effort is an interim measure while awaiting the collaboration of the federal government for a more comprehensive and enduring solution.
Governor Diri candidly acknowledged the enormity of the challenges faced by not only Odioama but also other threatened communities like Koluama, Sangana, and Agge.
He recognized that these issues extend beyond the jurisdiction of his state government alone, necessitating coordinated efforts on a larger scale to safeguard these vulnerable areas from the relentless forces of nature.
