Tamunosiki Akpuh
The people of Rumuorlumeni community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State have called on the state government to halt the sale of their waterfront lands, warning that continued encroachment threatens the mangrove ecosystem and local livelihoods.
The appeal was made during a stakeholders’ workshop on Accelerating Community-Led Mangrove Restoration in Rumuorlumeni, organized by the Centre for Environment, Human Rights and Development (CEHRD).
The event aimed to promote sustainable restoration and protection of mangroves in the area.
Community representatives urged the Ministry of Environment to create a government-reserved area for mangrove protection and to take urgent steps to prevent further encroachment.
They also decried the practice of residents dumping waste into gutters, which eventually flows into the river and harms the mangrove ecosystem.
The residents further expressed concern that the mangrove area has become a hideout for kidnappers, calling for stronger government action to secure the area.
Speaking at the event, the Youth President of Rumuorlumeni, Mr. Felix Chinda, attributed the degradation of mangroves in the community to bunkering and urbanization, which he said have destroyed aquatic life.
“Our mangroves have been diminished, and the creatures that lived within them? periwinkles, crabs, and fishes, are no longer there because their habitat has been destroyed,” he lamented.
Chinda noted that the community has made efforts to restore and protect the mangroves but continues to face pressure from rapid urbanization.
He expressed optimism that with CEHRD’s support, Rumuorlumeni will intensify awareness campaigns to sensitize residents on the importance of protecting the mangrove ecosystem.
He appealed to the Rivers State Government and the State House of Assembly to enact laws protecting mangroves and to establish penalties for those who cut down or destroy them.
Chinda also urged women and youths to take active roles in sensitizing others within their communities to promote a cleaner environment and ensure food sufficiency.
Earlier in his remarks, Mr. Tammy Cookey, Head of Environment at CEHRD, emphasized the need for legislation to regulate mangrove degradation in the Niger Delta.
“There are various causes of mangrove loss across the region, in Kono (Ogoni axis), oil pollution is the main issue, while in Iwofe, it’s largely due to human activities.
“We are working to restore mangroves in these communities, but the government must enact strong laws to protect these critical ecosystems,” he said.
