Anambra Community Dismisses Allegation Of Poisonous Emission From Seaman Rice Mill
Ngo Brothers Association, a group of indigenous people from Ngo Village, Nnobi in Idemili South Local Government Area have condemned the allegation of hazardous emissions from Seaman Rice Mill located in the community.
The group in a Statement signed by Dr Patrick Mbanefo, its President General described the widely published story of alleged pollution raised by neighbours of the Rice Mill as highly regrettable.
Some people of Ndam Village in Ngo had claimed that emissions from the factory were hazardous to their environment.
The indigenes had alleged that activities of the factory were endangering their livelihoods due to toxic emissions from the factory.
Ngo Brothers said it was unfortunate that the company was still test running the machine in the factory when the complainants went to the media and without the approval of the community leadership.
They said the media should have engaged the village leadership or their quarter leadership or the Nnobi leadership before escalating to external parties and the whole world.
“It is highly regrettable that such video, audio and accompanying write ups were produced by Nnobians (a case of enemy within or enemy in the closet).
“The sponsors of the viral messages should have been more conscientious because they are Nnobians and the Rice Mill is not only owned by an Nnobi man but is located within Nnobi and expected to have a far reaching positive impact on the wellbeing of Ndi Nnobi,” he said.
The concerned indigenes said Seaman Group had proven to be people and community friendly through its philanthropic gestures and human capital development initiatives.
They commended company for admitting the error and working assiduously to address the complaint.
“The company is socially responsible to its community and environs, we assure that Nnobi community and beyond are engaging Seaman Group on top of the matter.
“We want to believe that the producers of the viral video are not anti-economic development.
“We call on all parties to the incident to exercise restraint and allow the company to take remedial actions to address the observed outcome of the trial run,” he said.