Igala Kingdom: A Thirst for Justice and Dignity
For 23 years and counting, Igala Land has endured a silent but agonizing drought of pipe-borne water. A kingdom blessed with an abundance of rivers, including the majestic Niger and countless streams, remains parched—not because nature has been unkind, but because of the glaring failure of leadership. It is a cruel irony that a people surrounded by water are condemned to live without it.
The only semblance of relief came in 2003 when Idah Local Government Area briefly experienced the flow of pipe-borne water. That fleeting moment, which lasted less than a year, was the first and last time any part of Igala Land enjoyed such a basic amenity under civilian rule. Since then, the taps have run dry, and the cries of the people have fallen on deaf ears.
The Human Cost of Neglect
In the absence of functional pipe-borne water systems, individuals with means have resorted to sinking private boreholes in their compounds. For the majority who cannot afford this luxury, the struggle for water has become a daily battle. They rely on poorly constructed boreholes sunk by opportunistic politicians—structures often located miles away from their homes, delivering water of questionable quality.
The health implications of this neglect are staggering. Preventable diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea have become grimly familiar in Igala Land. Women and children bear the brunt of this crisis, spending hours fetching water from distant sources instead of focusing on education or livelihoods. What should be a basic right has become a privilege available only to the few.
A Tale of Political Betrayal
The most tragic part of this story is that it wasn’t always this way. During the military era, pipe-borne water was a reality for the people of Igala Land. The military government, often criticized for its authoritarian tendencies, somehow managed to prioritize the provision of water—a fundamental necessity for life. Yet, in the years since the return of democracy, successive governments have not only failed to sustain these systems but have also shown no meaningful effort to address the issue.
Politicians have turned a blind eye to the suffering of their people, preferring instead to indulge in grandiose projects that do little to improve lives. Campaign promises of clean water have become a tired cliché, repeated at every election cycle and forgotten as soon as the ballots are counted. Their indifference is a betrayal of trust and an insult to the dignity of the Igala people.
The Path to Redemption
The continued lack of pipe-borne water in Igala Land is not merely an infrastructural failure; it is a moral failure. It is a stark reminder that the dividends of democracy remain elusive for many Nigerians, especially in rural and neglected regions like Igala Land.
To address this crisis, there must be a concerted effort from all stakeholders:
- Political Will: The government must prioritize water infrastructure in Igala Land, treating it as an emergency and a fundamental right, not a campaign gimmick.
- Accountability: Citizens must hold politicians accountable, demanding concrete action plans and timelines for the restoration of pipe-borne water systems.
- Community Involvement: Local communities should be empowered to participate in decision-making processes, ensuring that water projects reflect their genuine needs.
- Sustainable Solutions: Investments in modern water treatment plants, pipelines, and maintenance systems are essential to guarantee clean, safe, and accessible water for all.
A Cry for Justice
It is often said that water is life. For the people of Igala Land, this phrase carries a bitter irony, as life itself has been compromised by the absence of water. The rivers that cradle this kingdom have become symbols of unfulfilled potential, their waters flowing freely while the people suffer in thirst.
This is a call to action—not just for the leaders who have failed the people, but for every Igala son and daughter. The dignity of our land demands that we raise our voices, that we demand justice, and that we refuse to let another generation grow up without access to this basic necessity.
Igala Land deserves better. Its people deserve better. The time to act is now.
Emmanuel Odekina Iyede Aidoko Onuche writes from Abuja.
