The vast deposits of lead in Enyigba, Abakaliki Local Government Area, and Ameka in Ezza South, Ebonyi State, could have been a blessing. Instead, they have turned into a silent menace, leaving thousands of residents battling life-threatening ailments caused by lead poisoning.
Lead pollution has seeped into every corner of these communities, contaminating crops, water sources, and the very air the people breathe. Residents are unknowingly consuming toxic substances from their food and water, with devastating consequences on their health.
Chief Ewa Nworie, a local leader, expressed his concerns:
“Our soil is no longer fertile, and our water is polluted. We rely on wells and boreholes, but these dry up in the dry season. The pollution is affecting our health, crops, and overall well-being.”
Mrs. Amauche Nwogha, another resident, painted a grim picture:
“Our children suffer from strange skin infections and other illnesses. We have no proper hospital nearby, and when we do visit one, we are referred to distant cities for treatment. We are desperate for clean water and better healthcare.”
Many residents feel abandoned by the mining companies operating in their communities. Despite agreements to provide essential amenities like hospitals, schools, and water, these commitments remain unfulfilled.
“We are suffering while the miners profit. The government must hold these companies accountable and educate us about the dangers of lead pollution,” said Mr. Chike Nweke, a frustrated resident.
Professor Wilberforce Oti of Ebonyi State University highlighted the scale of the problem. His research shows that 90% of crops in these areas are contaminated with lead due to mining activities.
He stressed the need for phytoremediation, a process where specific plants are used to cleanse the soil of toxins.
Dr. Charles Akuma from Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital warned about the long-term health impacts of lead poisoning, especially on children and pregnant women.
“Lead exposure can cause severe health issues, including kidney damage, high blood pressure, and neurological disorders. Pregnant women risk passing lead to their unborn children, leading to birth defects,” he explained.
The Ebonyi State government has taken steps to ensure mining companies fulfill their obligations, but more needs to be done. Residents are calling on the federal government to enforce stricter regulations, provide clean water, and relocate farmlands away from contaminated areas.
This crisis is a wake-up call for urgent action to save lives and restore hope to these communities.
Stay updated on this and other pressing stories at NIGPOST.
Share this story to raise awareness about the plight of Ebonyi communities.
Let’s demand action to save lives and secure a healthier future for all.
Leave a Reply