A family in Umuebi, Obikabia, Isiala Ngwa North LGA, has asked the Abia State Government to intervene over a poultry farm sited next to their home.
The farm belongs to Dr. Nwambuisi Elenta Elele and is located beside the residence of Mr. Cyril Ishmael.
Residents say the location has raised concerns about approvals for commercial farms in residential areas.
The main complaint is offensive odour from the facility. Villagers say it has made living difficult and forced them to keep windows and doors shut.
Journalists and a team from the Abia State Ministry of Environment were denied access to the farm on separate visits. The farm is secured with a high fence and high-tech gadgets.
Villagers said Mr. Ishmael met Dr. Elele before construction to raise health concerns, but the dialogue was ignored and the farm was built.
They also said Dr. Elele has refused to relocate and plans to add piggery and fishery units to the facility.
Jude Ishmael, a family member, said their house was built before the farm.
“The odour is unbearable. We cannot get fresh air. It has been an unpalatable experience,” he said.
According to Jude, a Ministry of Environment team confirmed the farm should not have been sited there. He said Dr. Elele was invited by the Ministry but allegedly failed to appear and threatened to sue instead.
“The family wants a peaceful resolution. Our health is at risk because of the odour,” he said, as he called on Governor Dr. Alex Otti to intervene.
Mrs. Abasiama Udofia, Head of Department, Environmental Assessment, Abia Ministry of Environment, declined to comment, saying she was not permitted to speak.
