The people of Sangana in Akassa kingdom, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, are urgently seeking assistance to combat the devastating effects of ocean surge and coastal erosion. Despite being rich in natural resources, with seven operational oil companies drilling oil from the community for over two decades, Sangana is facing an existential threat due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.

Coastal erosion has destroyed homes, property, and livelihoods, with the community fearing complete annihilation within the next decade if the current trend continues. King Moses Theophilus Kenibara VII, the Amadabo of Moko-Ama Santana, lamented that the erosion has depleted the community’s land, destroyed economic trees and schools, and disrupted traditions and customs.

The community has tried various means to attract attention to their plight, including writing letters to the federal and state governments and staging peaceful protests. Former Chairman of Brass Local Government Area and CEO of Be-Multi World Plus Limited, Bello Bina, urged the state and federal governments to intervene with lasting solutions to the challenges facing the community.

Fortunately, the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Sam Ogbuku, visited the community to assess the situation, and the people are hoping that work on the embankment to protect the shores from coastal erosion will commence soon to give them hope.

The community’s plea for help highlights the need for urgent action to address the devastating impact of ocean surge and coastal erosion, and the importance of collaboration between government agencies, intervention agencies, and oil companies to find lasting solutions to this critical issue.