The traditional ruler of Amakohia Autonomous Community in Ikeduru Local Government of Imo State, Eze Innocent Alaribe, has urgently called upon the Federal Government to address the pressing issue of gully erosion affecting villages within his jurisdiction.
Revealing the severe consequences of the erosion, Eze Alaribe disclosed that more than 50 community members, including himself, have been displaced, with his palace being abandoned by cabinet chiefs and family members. Despite numerous pleas to the FG, no action has been taken, prompting a continued appeal for assistance.
Goddie Ukwu, the President General of the community, accompanied reporters on a tour of the affected areas, expressing deep concern over the widespread impact of the erosion. The gravity of the situation has compelled many indigenous residents to abandon their ancestral homes, creating a significant disruption in the community’s connectivity with neighboring areas.
Ukwu highlighted the escalating transportation costs within and beyond the affected region, emphasizing the urgent need for government intervention to alleviate the hardships faced by the community.
Ukwu further elaborated on the dire circumstances, noting that the erosion has not only rendered numerous homes uninhabitable but has also severed vital access routes, making travel a cumbersome and potentially dangerous endeavor. With the imminent arrival of the rainy season, he voiced apprehension about the heightened challenges residents will face in reaching their homes due to the expanding gullies.
Additionally, Ukwu highlighted the adverse impact on local education, as parents are reluctant to enroll their children in a school situated perilously close to the erosion site. In a plea to the government, he stressed the urgency of assistance, underscoring the community’s inability to address the situation independently.
IMAGE: Egu blog
