Imo Community Raises Alarm Over Dredging, Erosion and Threat to National Grid

Residents of Iriamogu community in Ihiala, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, are calling on the state government to urgently intervene over what they describe as the devastating impact of dredging activities on their environment.

The residents say large portions of land have been affected by erosion, with gullies threatening homes, farmlands and other properties.

They are accusing a company operating in the area of engaging in illegal dredging and allege that the activities have continued despite what they describe as restrictions on dredging in the community.

Residents say they have repeatedly complained about the situation without seeing a lasting solution.

They are particularly worried about the proximity of the erosion to critical infrastructure, including the national electricity grid.

According to community members, the extent of environmental degradation has significantly increased since they began raising concerns last year.

One resident warned that if urgent action is not taken, parts of the community could become inaccessible or lost to erosion within another year.

The residents also expressed fears that continued erosion could endanger the national grid infrastructure in the area.

However, the Imo State Government says it is aware of the situation and that the dispute partly stems from the fact that mining licences are issued by the Federal Government.

The state government said investigations were conducted after concerns were raised and that the company identified by residents claimed to have obtained federal approval to operate in the area.

The government says it temporarily stopped the operation while authorities verify whether the company genuinely possesses the required federal licence.

Officials say that if the company is found to have federal approval, the state will formally engage the relevant federal authorities over the environmental risks and the potential danger posed to the community and critical infrastructure.

For residents of Iriamogu, however, time is running out.

They are demanding that authorities establish the legal status of the dredging operation, stop any unlawful activity and urgently address the erosion before more homes, farmland and infrastructure are destroyed.