Illegal Dredging Threatening Our Homes, Bayelsa Residents Cry Out

Residents of Obogoro community in Yenagoa local government area of Bayelsa State, led by Chief Nnamdi Egbo, have raised the alarm over illegal dredging activities taking place close to their houses. They warned that the situation poses a serious risk to their building and safety.

Egbo, who recently completed his house in the area, said what was meant to be a place of comfort had turned into a source of worry due to ongoing sand excavation behind his residence.

The distressed homeowner said he had made several efforts to alert the state government through the appropriate ministry, but nothing had been done to stop the activity.

He said, “I have written and pleaded with the state government through the ministry concerned, but nothing has been done. The dredging is happening right behind my house and it is weakening the ground. My building is no longer safe.”

According to Egbo, the constant digging had begun to affect the foundation of his house, with visible cracks and shifting soil raising fears of a possible collapse.

He warned that if urgent steps were not taken, the situation could lead to a disaster.

“This is a disaster waiting to happen. I am sending a save-our-soul message to the federal government to urgently step in and stop this illegal activity before it destroys my home,” he warned.

Egbo questioned the legality of the operation, alleging that those behind it had continued despite repeated complaints from residents.

“We don’t know who authorised this dredging, but it is clearly not being done with any regard for safety or environmental standards. Government must protect its citizens, and right now, we feel abandoned,” he said.

Other residents in the Obogoro community also expressed their concern about the dangers of unregulated dredging going on in the area.

According to Mr Ossai, the dredging poses serious environmental and safety risks, including erosion and flooding, adding that such activities, if not properly regulated, could affect not just one house but the entire community.

As of the time of filing this report, efforts to obtain a response from the relevant state authorities were unsuccessful.