A non-governmental organisation, Safe and Better Nigeria (SBN), has appealed to the Federal Government, Bayelsa State Government, and relevant intervention agencies to assist the Amatu 2 community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Amatu 2, an oil-rich community, has long suffered from severe erosion and ocean encroachment. SBN has emphasised the urgency of action to prevent the community’s potential extinction.
In a statement issued on Friday, the National Coordinator, Solomon Ikpaka, signed and shared with Weekend PUNCH in Yenagoa, SBN highlighted the need for immediate sand filling and land reclamation projects to preserve the community.
Ikpaka expressed deep concern over the inaction of both the federal and state governments despite the Amatu 2 community’s repeated SOS messages regarding their plight and significant contributions to Nigeria’s gross domestic product.
Amatu 2 has lost substantial land to decades of unchecked coastal erosion, and Ikpaka stated, “If nothing is done urgently, the community will soon be lost due to the accelerating destruction caused by erosion and ocean encroachment on the town.”
“As an NGO, we are deeply troubled by the suffering of the people and distressed that this issue has persisted for years with no intervention.”
According to Ikpaka, many residents have been left homeless as ocean surges have caused buildings to collapse, and seawater now flows into nearly every home.
He explained, “Rising sea levels and erosion have destroyed numerous buildings in the community, leaving many people homeless.
“The extent of destruction caused by erosion has surpassed anyone’s expectations in this oil-producing community. Water now enters nearly every home, causing buildings to collapse.”
“We are in contact with the community’s leadership, who feel pained, helpless, and frustrated by the extent of neglect and abandonment they face—they have come to the unfortunate conclusion that the government cares only about the oil in Amatu 2, not its people.”
“Currently, many homes have been swallowed by the ocean, and countless others are at imminent risk. How would you expect them to feel, seeing crude oil exported from their land to fund developments elsewhere while they endure erosion and other human and environmental crises?”
“We remain hopeful that relief will come to save the community and protect their children and heritage from destruction, which is why we are now calling on the world for assistance.
“It is our sincere hope and fervent prayer that this matter receives the compassion and attention it urgently needs to dry their tears.”
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