The residents of Aro Ajatakiri community in Ikwuano LGA of Abia State are expressing their distress over the devastating effects of recent contamination on their community stream.

The contamination, which occurred last week from an unidentified source, has resulted in the destruction of fish, other aquatic animals, and farmland.

In response to the incident, the Abia State government, through the Ministry of Environment, has issued a directive for the public to cease using water from the contaminated stream until the ministry completes its investigation.

However, the affected community members are lamenting the hardships caused by the polluted stream. Okeosisi Harbour, one of the community leaders, has appealed to the Abia State government for assistance.

During a visit to the affected area to sympathize with the community, Mrs. Pricilia Otti, the wife of the Abia Governor, assured the residents that the state government would provide water boreholes in the area to address the water scarcity issue.

Abia State Commissioner for Environment, Philemon Ogbonna, also addressed the concerned villagers and assured them that investigations are ongoing to identify the root cause of the contamination. He further emphasized that appropriate sanctions would be imposed on any individual or organization found responsible.

Ogbonna advised companies and individuals in the area to ensure proper waste disposal practices to prevent further contamination incidents.