Tension is mounting among host communities surrounding the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division Bori Camp in Port Harcourt over ongoing sand-filling activities, with residents threatening protests if urgent action is not taken by the relevant authorities.
Reports indicate that some aggrieved communities are mobilising to block the Rumuigbo axis of Ikwerre Road in protest over what they describe as the forceful invasion of their ancestral farmlands for sand dredging and land reclamation without their consent.
Speaking on the development, the Paramount Ruler of Elieke Community in Rumuokoro Clan, His Royal Highness Eze Clement Okwu Wagbara, said the communities were disturbed by the activities of suspected land grabbers allegedly carrying out the project without consulting the rightful landowners. He said the affected communities deserve environmental justice, public safety and clear information about the project before it develops into a major environmental crisis.
Eze Wagbara called on the federal, state and local governments to urgently intervene, warning that the ongoing sand-filling could worsen flooding and lead to the destruction of homes, farmlands and other investments in the affected communities.
Also speaking, Chief Noble Chukumati of Rumuigbo Community alleged that those carrying out the sand-filling project failed to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment before commencing work. He claimed the activities have already contributed to flooding in nearby residential areas, including the Federal Government College, Port Harcourt.
Chief Chukumati further stated that when community leaders contacted the Nigerian Army authorities over the activities taking place within the Bori Camp premises, they were allegedly told the military was unaware of the project.
