Residents of Umuagu have raised urgent concerns over the severe gully erosion affecting their community, particularly at Emede-Umuagu Ibeku, behind Chidiebere Transport Terminal in Umuahia North Council Area. The erosion has already destroyed houses and farmland, with more structures at risk.
Mr. Mbanu Ibeawuchi Chukwunomso, a local resident, reported that many homes have been damaged and others are on the brink of collapse due to the ongoing erosion. Despite their efforts to manage the situation through remedial works, the erosion continues to devastate the area.
Past attempts to seek help from the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) and the Ministry of Environment were unsuccessful. The agencies visited the site and made promises to address the issue, but no effective action has been taken.
Mr. Mbanu has called on Governor Alex Otti to urgently intervene and provide assistance to mitigate the erosion’s impact on the community.