There was outrage on Monday in Nnaji Autonomous Community, Obikabia in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of Abia State as elders, women and youths gathered to condemn the siting of a poultry farm close to a residential building.
The villagers faulted the owner of the poultry farm, Dr. Nwambuisi Elenta Elele, for erecting the structure adjacent to the house belonging to Mr. Cyril Ishmael, despite repeated appeals by community elders.
They lamented that the offensive odour emanating from the farm is posing serious health hazards to residents.
The planned peaceful protest to the Abia State Government House was shelved following an appeal by Mr. Ishmael from his base in the United States, who urged the community to remain calm and not take laws into their own hands.
”I have decided to allow the law to take its full course. As a law-abiding citizen, I will allow the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, to intervene in the matter with a view to finding a lasting solution,” Ishmael said.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr. Alozie Iheanyi Ahukana described the poultry farm as an affront to the family and the entire community.
”Have you seen a poultry farm next to a residential compound? It poses health hazards, violates environmental laws and offends the sense of humanity. This structure was erected to frustrate and instigate crisis and it must be removed,” Ahukana stated.
He disclosed that all attempts at arbitration had failed, adding that the farm owner refused to honour invitations from the community leadership, his traditional ruler, and even summons from the Abia State Ministry of Environment and ASEPA.
Ahukana further confirmed that a petition has been sent to Governor Alex Otti as a last resort, noting that information reaching the family indicates the Governor has agreed to intervene.
Also speaking, the General Secretary of Nnaji Autonomous Community, Chief Solomon Nwobia, called for the immediate removal or conversion of the structure.
”The farm is posing a very bad health danger to the environment and people living around. You can perceive the smell coming out from that place. It should be removed and relocated,” he said.
Chief Nwobia added that the community had approached the traditional ruler of the farm owner to intervene, but the move has not yielded any result.
