Residents of Ohuru-isi mmiri community glass force in Obingwa Local Government Area have raised an alarm over an expanding laterite excavation site that has reportedly claimed lives and now threatens both residential properties and critical public infrastructure in the area.
What started as a small excavation operation has now grown into what locals describe as a massive burrow pit one so deep that it could “swallow a five-storey building,” according to eyewitness accounts. The community says the activity, which was previously halted by authorities, has resumed in full force.
“This situation is getting out of hand, Before I bought a property here, they said the government had stopped the excavation. But to my greatest surprise, the work continued. The pit keeps expanding, and it’s now dangerously close to the rail line.” Said a the landlord who spoke on the condition of anonymity
Residents fear that continued digging could cause severe erosion or even collapse sections of land bordering the railway track. They also allege that the site has already claimed several lives, with at least five deaths recorded due to accidents within the pit.
“The place is not just destroying the land, it’s destroying lives, People who once planned to build their homes here have abandoned their plots because of fear. The excavation has eaten up fences and is creeping towards houses.” a resident lamented.
Beyond the risk to private properties, the ongoing activity is believed to pose a direct threat to government infrastructure. According to locals, the ground near the railway corridor has weakened significantly, raising fears that future construction or maintenance work may be unsafe.
Community members are now appealing to the government of Dr Alex Otti , environmental agencies, and relevant authorities to take swift action. They are calling for an immediate shutdown of the excavation site and a full investigation into those responsible.
“We are pleading with our governor, elected lawmakers both at state and federal level and all development-minded officials to intervene, We know our leaders listen, and we need them to act now before the situation becomes irreversible.” one resident said.
Experts say unregulated excavation and sand mining have become major environmental challenges in parts of the country, often leading to erosion, flooding, and loss of lives. The case in Ohuru-isi mmiri is now being viewed as another urgent warning about the dangers of unchecked human activity on fragile lands.
For residents of the community, the message is clear,they want help, and they want it now.
“If something is not done, this land may soon disappear,not by nature, but by our own hands.” one elder concluded
