Ocean Surge sacks Bayelsa fishing settlement

The overflow of Atlantic Ocean has sacked the residents of Araromi and Rotimi fishing Camps in Okpoama Kingdom in Brass local government area of Bayelsa, leaving the residents and fishermen stranded.

The devastating incident occasioned by the consistent downpour in the state which has caused the rising water level in the rivers and creeks as well as caused flooding in the farmlands.

Daily Trust gathered that the ocean surge has already destroyed buildings, fishing tools and forced the residents to relocate from the settlement.

Though no death has been reported, the people called on the state and federal government to come to their aid.

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The Deputy Chief in the settlement, Simon Gbapagha, said the fishing settlement is where the people of Okpoama and Brass LGA make livelihoods as most citizens do fishing in the area to fend for their family.

He decried that despite the mineral resources abundant in the area, no meaningful amenities in the community which has continue to suffer neglect.

Also speaking, a resident of the settlement, Dinu Bogofanyu Okpe, stated that it is high time government identified with the people because the suffering is too much for them to bear.

He prayed God to help them out of the devastating situation, urging government to carry out shore protection in the area to stop river water from overflowing into the community.

Bayelsa State Commissioner for Community Development, Hon. Watson Alfred Belemote, who visited the fishing settlement to sympathize with victims of Ocean surge, assured them of Government commitment in amelioration their sufferings.

He said as a responsible government, he had to visit the settlement to ascertain the level of damage and also hear from the victims in order to properly brief the government about their plight.