Ocean Surge Threatens Survival of Itsekiri Communities in Delta State....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Urgent action is needed as the Olu of Warri’s office raises alarms over an ocean surge that endangers several Itsekiri communities in the Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State. The representative of the Olu, Edema Collins Oritsetimeyin, has called for immediate intervention from the Federal Government, Delta State authorities, and non-governmental organizations to safeguard the affected areas.

Devastating Impact on Communities

The relentless ocean surge has already wreaked havoc on key Itsekiri communities, including Ogheye Eghoroke, Orere, Ogheye Zion, and Ogheye Ajadogo. In just the past two weeks, the surging waters have caused significant destruction to homes, schools, and vital infrastructure, putting residents in a precarious situation.

“The continued existence of these communities is in jeopardy,” the statement emphasized. Immediate action is crucial to prevent further devastation. Many residents rely heavily on fishing and agriculture for their livelihoods, and the ocean surge has exacerbated their struggles.

Humanitarian Crisis Unfolding

Among the most alarming losses is Ugbeni Primary School, the only educational institution in the area, which has been completely washed away. Additionally, numerous homes, including the community leader’s residence, built just three years ago, have been claimed by the advancing waters. Some families now face the grim reality of squeezing ten people into a single room for shelter.

The situation is dire as the community’s only borehole, which provided clean drinking water, has also been lost to the ocean. Residents now have no choice but to use ocean water for bathing, severely compromising their health and hygiene.

A Coordinated Response is Critical

Conditions in neighboring communities are even more devastating. Ogheye Zion and Ogheye Ajadogo have been entirely submerged, leaving no trace of their existence. Efforts to reach Orere, which is adjacent to Ogheye Eghoroke, have been unsuccessful due to the lack of access to a jetty, as much of the area has been swallowed by the ocean.

Oritsetimeyin pointed out that Ogheye hosts Chevron’s offshore oil block, Okan Field, where oil was first discovered in 1963. The combined effects of oil exploration and natural forces from the Atlantic Ocean have eroded the coastlines, making these communities increasingly vulnerable to the encroaching waters.

Call for Urgent Assistance

“The livelihoods of thousands of residents, whose primary occupation is fishing, have been devastated due to pollution, oil spills, and the adverse effects of oil exploration activities,” he stated. He urged the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Delta State government, non-governmental organizations, the United Nations, and all well-meaning individuals to assist these vulnerable communities.

The destruction of critical infrastructure such as schools, homes, and clean water sources has created a humanitarian crisis demanding immediate attention. Oritsetimeyin called on Chevron to take the lead in addressing this crisis, noting that the damage caused by decades of oil exploration must be countered with meaningful action to support the affected communities.

“This ongoing genocide must be addressed with urgency, as the future of these communities hangs in the balance,” he added. The plea for support underscores the importance of protecting these communities, which have long contributed to the region’s wealth through oil production.