Residents of Iriamogu Village in Dindi-Ihiagwa Autonomous Community, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, have appealed to Governor Hope Uzodinma to intervene over what they described as environmental damage allegedly linked to dredging activities along the Otamiri River.
The residents alleged that activities by a company identified as Marine Dredging Company had contributed to riverbank erosion, damage to roads and farmland, and growing concerns over electricity infrastructure in the community.
The allegations were reported by The Guardian and Nigerian Tribune, which said community members accused the dredging company of causing environmental degradation and destroying portions of farmland, roads and other infrastructure.
Speaking during a fact-finding visit to the community, Joseph Oforegbu, President-General of the Iriamogu Development Union, attributed the reported deterioration to what he described as unsafe dredging practices.
Oforegbu said the community was particularly concerned about the reported proximity of advancing erosion to a national electricity grid facility located in the area.
However, there was no independent engineering or environmental assessment available to establish that dredging activities caused the erosion or that the electricity infrastructure faces an imminent structural failure.
Chukwunonyerem Mbawuike, Deputy President-General of the community, alleged that repeated efforts to engage Marine Dredging Company over the reported environmental impact had failed to resolve the dispute.
Mbawuike also alleged that personnel of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were used to intimidate residents during disagreements over the dredging activities.
The Guardian reported similar allegations from community representatives, including claims that NSCDC personnel were deployed after residents raised concerns about the effects of the company’s operations. The allegations against the company and NSCDC could not be independently verified.
The residents also claimed that dredging was continuing despite an alleged Imo State Government restriction on dredging within an 18-kilometre radius of Owerri.
According to Mbawuike, the restriction covers Iriamogu and parts of Ihiagwa. He further claimed that the state Ministry of Industry, Mines and Solid Minerals had previously blocked access to the site, but that dredging later resumed.
The Nigerian Tribune also reported the community’s claim that government intervention had previously been made at the site and that residents were seeking further action over the alleged environmental consequences.
The community is calling for an independent assessment of the affected area and a review of the company’s operating licence and compliance with applicable environmental requirements.
The residents said they were not opposed to legitimate business activity but wanted dredging conducted without what they described as unacceptable damage to farmland, property and the surrounding environment.
They also said they were considering a peaceful protest at the Imo State Government House in Owerri if their concerns were not addressed.
Marine Dredging Company and the Imo State Ministry of Industry, Mines and Solid Minerals could not be reached for comments on the allegations as of press time.
The reported dispute therefore remains based largely on claims by the affected community pending responses from the company and relevant authorities, as well as an independent assessment of the alleged environmental and infrastructure risks.
