Bayelsa Govt Responds to Ocean Surge in Brass, Vows Relief for Affected Fishermen
The Bayelsa State Government has stepped in following reports of an ocean surge threatening coastal communities in Brass Local Government Area. On Friday, August 22, 2025, the Honourable Commissioner for Community Development, Hon. Belemote Alfred Watson, carried out an on-the-spot assessment at the New Camp fishing settlement along the Atlantic shoreline in Okpoama.
The intervention, PulseNets learnt, is part of Governor Douye Diri’s continued efforts to cushion the hardships faced by Bayelsans, particularly those residing in coastline settlements vulnerable to erosion, ocean surges, and insecurity.
Speaking to PulseNets during the visit, Commissioner Watson, who hails from Okpoama, said he was on-site to represent a government that prioritises the welfare of its people.
“There was urgent need to be at the location, see things for ourselves, and also hear from the resident dwellers on the prevailing challenges they face so as to know the next proactive steps to take in curbing the situation,” he explained.
The Commissioner assured the fishing community that a detailed report would be submitted to Governor Diri’s people-centric administration for immediate action.
“Adequate report will be send back to the people centric Government of Douye Diri for immediate action,” he said.
Residents of the New Camp settlement also spoke to PulseNets about their struggles. Chief Dimu Elebiju and Miss Andrew Bogofanyo lamented the worsening situation, stressing that the Atlantic waters were swallowing their lands and homes, washing away properties, and making survival increasingly difficult.
“The ocean waters is invading their lands and homes, washing offshore their properties, thereby making life and living conditions difficult for them,” they noted.
They further told PulseNets that apart from battling erosion, the community is grappling with recurring sea piracy, which often endangers fishermen at sea.
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“We also clamored at the appalling rate of sea pirates we grapple with on numerous occasions during fishing,” they added.
Both Chief Dimu and Miss Bogofanyo called on the government to urgently provide relief materials and practical support to protect their settlement from erosion.
