A devastating landslide has struck Ugboba, a small agrarian community in Delta State, leaving residents in a state of despair.
The disaster has been attributed to the alleged illegal coal mining activities of a firm, Mosra Energy LTD, which has been accused of causing land degradation, water pollution, and the recent landslide.
SaharaReporters gathered on Wednesday, that the affected areas, Ukwu-Nzu and Ugboba road, had been rendered impassable, and the community is grappling with the aftermath of the disaster.
“We are shocked and devastated by the landslide, which has destroyed our farmlands, polluted our water sources, and rendered our roads impassable,” Simon Eka, a resident of Ugboba community told SaharaReporters on Wednesday.
“We demand that Mosra Energy LTD takes immediate action to address the environmental damage caused by its activities and compensates us for our losses.”
Meanwhile the residents have accused the traditional ruler, Mr. Ezedimbu Nkebakwu, of colluding with Mosra Energy LTD to perpetuate the illegal mining activities, despite the devastating consequences for the community.
The people of Ugboba are calling on the traditional ruler to prioritise their lives and properties over the senseless and illegal mining activities.
They claim that the mining has not only destroyed their farmlands but also polluted their water sources, posing a significant risk to human lives and aquatic life.
“We urge our traditional ruler to stop this senseless mining that has subjected us to acute hardship, loss of farm land, aquatic life, and risks to human lives,” said another resident who gave his name as Ephraim Odah.
The community is demanding that Mosra Energy LTD takes immediate action to address the environmental damage caused by its activities and to compensate the affected residents for their losses.
The people of Ugboba are also urging the government to intervene and put an end to the alleged illegal mining activities, which they claim are threatening their livelihoods and the environment.
“We need the government to step in and stop this illegal mining. We want to live in a safe and healthy environment, and we will not rest until our rights are protected,” said a community leader, Kingsley Eka.
As the situation continues to unfold, the people of Ugboba remain in a state of uncertainty, wondering what the future holds for their community.
The landslide has left a trail of destruction in its wake, and the community is in dire need of assistance to rebuild and recover.