Residents of Emede-Umuagu Ibeku Community in Umuahia North local government area of Abia State, have raised the alarm over threatening erosion in the community.
Speaking to LEADERSHIP at the site of the erosion, one of the community’s leaders, Mbanu Chukwunomso, lamented the situation, which he described as worrisome.
He said: “It has devastated several houses and farmlands and led to flora and fauna collapse. If nothing is done urgently to address the situation, our lives and property will be in serious danger.
“We’ve on many occasions carried out remedial works at the site, but all to no avail due to the magnitude of the threat as it has continued to devastate the environment and swallow houses.”
He said they sent ‘save our soul’ messages to the State Ministry of Environment and the NEWMAP as the years passed, adding that they have yet to respond.
“Now that the situation has gone beyond our control, we are appealing to his excellency Dr Alex Otti as a performing governor to come to our rescue before it becomes too late.”
Similarly, one of the women leaders, Rebecca Ikechukwu urged the local and state governments to intervene immediately before their farms are destroyed by the erosion.