By Kayode Olabanji, Okitipupa

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Ayetoro Community in Ilaje Local Government area has witnessed another sea incursion as residents fled for safety.

The incident has led to many residents fleeing  the area .

The most affected  are residential buildings, churches and  markets.

The riverine community has over the years  witnessed sea incursion.

Residents have therefore, appealed to the Federal and State governments, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and Ondo State Oil Producing Development Commission (OSOPADEC) to come to their rescue.

One of the leaders in the community who   craved anonymity  said, they would not stop crying for government’s intervention until the necessity is done.

“It seems the government has forgotten about us, we demand lasting solutions as the surge increases yearly.

“More than half of the community has been encroached by the ravaging sea surge,  we are calling on relevant agencies to please come to our rescue, Ayetoro must not go, on extinction he pleaded.

Speaking briefly on the occurrence in a phone call, the Ogeleoyinbo of Aiyetoro Community, Oba Micah Olaseni Ajijo, said yes,  confirmed the incident,  destroying everything on its path.

“That is the reality of rising temperatures and sea levels due to carbon emissions. International agreement on carbon cap are not implemented and oil companies off the coast of Aiyetoro still flare their gas, not minding the environmental challenges on coastal communities”. 

“As there is no social justice, there is also no environmental justice in the policies of the political class. We only cry to God. The sea eats our land and coastal towns in Nigeria, Our God and creator, give us peace, command the ranging waves to be still{, he prayed.

 The Hope had gathered that about 500 buildings including the community town hall, schools, power stations, businesses, and other key infrastructures have been washed away while water, businesses, health institutions, and socio-cultural systems of the people have been damaged, while over 90 percent of the residents have fled to other settlements.

It was  gathered that the project design had been completed but contractors are yet to move to the site for implementation.