2nd Niger Bridge: Residents accuse FG of not paying enough compensation

Protests rocked Oko-Amakom community in Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State, on Wednesday as residents, mainly indigenes of Anambra State and those of Delta State kicked against alleged neglect of their welfare by the Federal Government.

The residents, who were affected by the construction of the second Niger Bridge, said government had failed in paying adequate compensation to them.

Motorists plying Asaba/Onitsha Express Road had a hectic time as the protesters blocked the road.

According to the Chairman of the community, Chief Jideofor Anosike of Power line, Oko-Amakom in Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State, the Community was in full support of the construction of the Second Niger Bridge, which he admitted would enhance both economic and Social activities in Anambra and Delta States.

He, however, disagreed with the mode of payment which he described as “meager”.

He remarked that a four-bedroom palour which cost them millions of naira, was being compensated with only a hundred thousand naira.

In his words: “we are not against the construction of the second Niger Bridge which will affect our community; it will boost economic and social activities in the South-East and South States of Anambra and Delta, but some people within the system have used the opportunity to enrich themselves by under-paying the indigenes and residents whose farm crops, houses and other sources of livelihood would be affected”.

He accused a consultant to the Federal Government, Mr. Mark Ugorji of using the Police to force the poor villagers out.

An Indigene of the community, 99 year old Pa Olise Okeluo told reporters that he was being forced to leave his ancestral home without adequate compensation and wondered what fate had for him.

Pa Okeluo, who used a walking stick to support his weak bones, however, showered curses on the consultant, Mr. Ugorji for allegedly “short-changing the poor villagers”.

He expressed support for the construction of the bridge but, however, chose to die on Oko-Amakom soil than leave the community without an alternative place of settlement and accommodation.

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