Patrick Gbuchanye
Residents of New Heaven, Area 2 axis of Dfrri Road in Boji-Boji Owa, Ika North East Local Government Area have cried out to concerned authorities over the incessant toxic smoke from an unnamed palm kernel shell powder harvesters in the area.
Speaking with journalists on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at the premises of the Magistrate Court, Owa-Oyibu after adjournment on the matter because of the inability of the court to sit, the Vice Chairman of New Heaven Quarters, Area 2 Landlords Association, Nze Patrick Okewuonu disclosed that toxic smoke from the palm kernel shell powder harvesters has been a thorn on the flesh of residents for years.
According to him, “Today was slated for the court sitting over the matter but adjourned to Thursday, December 19, 2024 over the inability of the court to hold.
We are losing patience because it ought not to be a matter of discussion for a long time at the expense of our health.
“We have decided to speak with the press because our silence and unfruitful deliberations are doing us more harm, just as many have complained about living with severe health implications of inhaling toxic smoke.
“Business in the area has been put on hold and relocating to become tenants after many years of struggle to become house owners.
“The workers at the unnamed palm kernel shell plant have become heartless that even though the matter is before the Magistrate court, had increased the quantity of harvesting palm kernel shell powder daily and we experience smoke all through the nights and have difficult breathing even though doors and windows are locked.
“Within a space of four years, we have been experiencing sleepless nights, and all efforts to have them relocate have fallen on deaf ears. The Ika North East LGA Council Health Officers are not helping matters as the people are beginning to accuse them of collecting bribes from the palm kernel shell powder producers over their inability to chase them out of the living area”.
Continuing, Nze Okewuonu called on the Executive Chairman of Ika North East LGA Council, Hon. Monday Hunkamma Odigwe, to come to their aid before crises erupt in the area.
He used the opportunity to pray to the Magistrate Court judge to save their souls by giving them a verdict as it is what they have long expected for peace. He also prayed that while the matter lasted in court, the Judge should put a stop to work at the palm kernel shell powder company pending judgment.
The Vice Chairman of New Heaven Quarters, Area 2 Landlords Association further disclosed that the owner of the palm kernel shell powder producing company who they gathered hails from Aniocha, is bragging never to leave the area and that he will be ready to spend more money while the case last.
Also responding, a Landlord in the area, Mr Charles Igbenijie, appealed to the local and state Governments and all concerned to come to their aid to save the lives of the residents, who, according to him, have been threatened by the toxic smoke.
“Ika North East LGA Council and Delta State Government should, as a matter of urgency, consider our health condition and come to our aid. Many, both old and young are suffering from respiratory illnesses associated with bronchitis, including my mother.”
“I have spent over one hundred and thirty-five thousand naira to buy drugs that were ordered from Lagos and with caution to steer clear of smoke. Cases of some children have resulted in Asthma, a lifetime illness over something that would have been avoided.”
“No one knows the time that they would leave the area. One can be sleeping and start feeling suffocation from the smell of toxic smoke.”
“We are begging the governments at all levels including the security agencies, to come to our aid before we are forced to take laws into our hands that would result in crisis. Consider our health condition because the case has taken so long”, he appealed.
