Fishermen, residents lament over dead fishes in Odua-Kugbo Rivers

Some fishermen and residents  of Ogboloma, Adada, Emelego, Okolomade, Akani and Amuruto coastal communities in Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State have lamented the emergence of floating dead fishes in their rivers.

The affected communities, which are border communities with Ogbia Local Government of Bayelsa State, said the development started immediately after the water started receding after the flooding along the river bank.

They said there was a possibility of an outbreak of diseases as most inhabitants of the communities rely on the water from the river for their daily needs.

According to the residents, the fishes locally called “Governor fish” (Aghurugh), “Mud fish” (Obolo) “floating fish” (Oriim) and Cat fish (Obarh), are mostly affected by the unknown disease.

Speaking with Niger Delta Trust, the paramount ruler of Ogboloma community, Chief Micah Igonieghel, explained that before the flood, oil exploration was being carried out by a company in the area, adding that this could be the cause of the situation.

Chief Igonieghel said the situation has affected the people’s means of livelihood as a large percentage of residents depend on fishing for survival.

Also speaking, the Community Development Committee Chairman in Ogboloma community, Mr Family Tom, explained that the community has never experienced such a thing in the past, adding that the number of dead fishes was increasing everyday.

Narrating their experiences in the last one month, some fishermen, Mr. Jimmy Orukari, Omololi Amamine, and a 78-year-old  Mr. Blessing Ibiere, pointed out that they have been noticing wounds on the heads and tails of the fishes.

They said the situation has affected their businesss.

They, therefore, called on the Rivers State government and leadership of Abua- Odual Local Government Area to immediately investigate the source of the problem.

Niger Delta Trust gathered that a similar incident happened in some communities in Southern Ijaw, Ogbia and other coastal communities in Bayelsa State last April. It was also reported in Bonny and Andoni local government areas of Rivers State.