Bayelsa Journalist Raises Alarm As Illegal Dredging Threatens Home, Seeks Urgent FG Intervention

A Bayelsa-based journalist and environmental advocate, Eunice Nnachi, has called for urgent intervention from the Federal and State Governments following an alleged illegal dredging operation near her residence in Obogoro community, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Nnachi reported that she awoke on Sunday morning to the sound of heavy machinery being moved into the area to commence dredging. According to her, when she questioned the operators, they threatened to assault her if she attempted to stop them.

“They brought in dredging equipment very close to my house. When I asked who authorized them, they became aggressive and threatened me. I am afraid for my life, my home, and my community,” she said, visibly emotional.

The journalist, a consistent advocate for environmental protection and women’s rights, stated that she immediately alerted relevant authorities, but the perpetrators remained defiant and continued preparations to begin work.

Obogoro community, located along the Nun River, has suffered severe coastal erosion and flooding for years, leading to the loss of homes, community lands, and infrastructure. Residents fear that new dredging activity could exacerbate the erosion and endanger lives and property.

Environmental activist Alagoa Morris of Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) condemned the reported dredging attempt, questioning its rationale in an already vulnerable area.

“What exactly are they trying to do? Are the dredgers within the environment? Considering the riverbank erosion already consuming community land, private, and public property, it is difficult to believe that the community would permit dredging activities in such a sensitive environment,” Morris stated.

He further noted that just last week, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Environment issued a public statement urging residents to report any unauthorized dredging.

“Please take advantage of that government announcement by reaching out directly to the Honourable Commissioner for Environment,” he advised.

Nnachi appealed to the Federal Ministry of Environment, NESREA, and the Bayelsa State Government to urgently deploy security and environmental officials to stop the illegal activity, investigate those involved, and safeguard her life and property.

“This is a cry for help. I am pleading with the government to act now before something tragic happens,” she added.