09/24/2026
WHO WILL PROTECT THE PEOPLE OF OGGHEGHE?
OGHEGHE BORROW PIT CRISIS: RESIDENTS CRY OUT AS SAND EXCAVATION SWALLOWS HOMES AND THREATENS LIVES
One Life Media Investigative Report
Uhunmwode Local Government Area, Edo State
Residents of Ogheghe Community in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State are raising serious concerns over what they describe as unchecked and dangerous sand excavation activities at the Ogheghe Community Borrow Pit.
According to accounts from residents and community observers, continued excavation has allegedly contributed to the collapse or destruction of properties, displacement of residents and growing concerns about the safety of people living around the area.
The situation raises a fundamental question:
Who is responsible for regulating the operation, and why has effective intervention not yet been achieved?
A COMMUNITY WAITING FOR ACTION
Residents say government representatives have visited the affected area and witnessed the situation firsthand.
According to residents, the Chairman of the committee responsible for the protection of government property visited the site, observed the condition of the community and reportedly promised that something would be done.
But residents say they are still waiting.
For people whose homes and livelihoods are reportedly being threatened by expanding excavation activities, the issue is no longer simply about promises. It is about the immediate protection of life and property.
"WE HAVE WAITED IN VAIN"
One resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that a government official and former member of the Edo State House of Assembly, who is believed by the resident to be close to Governor Monday Okpebholo, has an interest or role connected to the borrow-pit operation.
One Life Media has not independently established this allegation.
That allegation therefore requires investigation and clarification by the relevant authorities.
The following questions demand transparent answers:
- Who owns or controls the Ogheghe Borrow Pit?
- Who issued the relevant permits or approvals?
- Which government agency is responsible for regulating the excavation?
- Was an environmental or geotechnical assessment conducted?
- Who is responsible for monitoring the depth and boundaries of the excavation?
- What measures are in place to protect surrounding homes and residents?
- Are any government officials, contractors or politically connected individuals involved in the operation?
- If so, what is the precise nature of that involvement?
These are questions of public interest.
GOVERNMENT COMPLICITY? THE ALLEGATION MUST BE INVESTIGATED
One of the most serious allegations emerging from the community is that there may be official involvement, government complicity or political protection surrounding the excavation.
That allegation should neither be dismissed without investigation nor presented as an established fact without evidence.
If government officials, contractors or politically connected individuals are involved, the appropriate authorities should disclose the nature and legality of that involvement.
If there is no official involvement, the government should equally make that position clear and identify the lawful operator responsible for the site.
The central issue is accountability.
THE GOVERNOR'S RESPONSIBILITY
Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo has publicly spoken about the responsibility of government to protect the people of Edo State.
It is therefore reasonable for residents of Ogheghe to ask the Governor for an urgent response to their specific situation.
This is not merely a political question. It is a public-safety question.
If homes are genuinely being undermined by uncontrolled excavation, the appropriate authorities should establish the facts and take preventive measures before the situation results in further destruction or loss of life.
OUR QUESTIONS TO THE EDO STATE GOVERNMENT
One Life Media calls for an urgent and transparent investigation into the Ogheghe Borrow Pit.
The people deserve answers to these basic questions:
1. Who authorised the excavation?
2. Who currently controls the borrow pit?
3. What environmental, geological and safety assessments were conducted before and during excavation?
4. Why are residents reportedly being displaced while excavation continues?
5. What immediate measures will government take to protect lives, homes and property?
A CALL FOR AN INDEPENDENT ON-SITE ASSESSMENT
Governor Okpebholo should consider directing the appropriate government agencies to conduct an independent on-the-spot assessment of the Ogheghe Borrow Pit.
Such an assessment should involve the relevant environmental, physical-planning, geological/mining and emergency-management authorities.
Where technical evidence establishes an immediate danger to residents, appropriate precautionary measures should be taken pending the completion of the investigation.
Affected residents should also be properly documented so that the extent of displacement, property damage and potential risk can be independently established.
THIS IS ABOUT LIVES, NOT POLITICS
One Life Media is not asking government to protect a political interest.
We are asking government to protect human lives and property.
Where allegations are made, they should be investigated.
Where government officials are implicated, the facts should be established.
Where private operators have violated the law, the law should take its course.
And where residents are in danger, government should act before tragedy becomes the evidence of what everyone already knew.
Ogheghe is asking for attention.
Ogheghe is asking for investigation.
Ogheghe is asking for protection.
The people deserve to know who is responsible, who authorised the excavation, who is benefiting from it, and—most importantly—who will protect them.
WHO WILL PROTECT THE PEOPLE OF OGGHEGHE?
— ONE LIFE MEDIA
