Residents of Amankwo village in Enugu State’s Oji River Council are up in arms over alleged pollution of their primary water source, Odu River, by coal mining company ChrisKev Estate Limited. The community claims the company’s activities have contaminated the river, killing aquatic life and affecting their livelihoods.
Protest leader Polycarp Udah, a member of the Community Coal Mining Implementation Committee, stated that the company has failed to fulfill promises made in their community development agreement, including road expansion, borehole provision, and annual scholarships. The community is demanding action, citing the pollution’s impact on their health and economic well-being 
The women of Amankwo village are particularly affected, with some reporting illnesses after consuming contaminated water or fish. Caroline Udah, a farmer and women leader, lost her cassava farm and nearly lost her family after they ate tapioca washed in the polluted river.
The traditional ruler and company officials deny allegations of wrongdoing, blaming youths for extortion and sabotage. The Enugu State government has intervened, providing interim water supply and promising investigations.
Would you like to know more about the Enugu State government’s response to environmental pollution or the impact of coal mining on local communities?
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