Environmental damage is a big problem for communities in the South East. In Anambra State alone, there are over 1,000 active erosion sites, and many people have been forced to leave their homes.
In Abia State, many areas in the North and Central districts have been badly affected by gully erosion. Important roads in places like Isiukwuato, Umunneochi, Bende, and Arochukwu have also been damaged.
Recently, people in Umuoka Mgbarakuma, Ubakala (Umuahia South Local Government) raised concerns about the serious erosion affecting their community. They sent an urgent message to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Alex Otti, asking for immediate help.
The community said the erosion has destroyed houses, important trees, and animals. They warned that if nothing is done soon, people could die. Large farmlands have already been lost, and poor farmers are going hungry because of this.
Community members like Ikechi Nwachukwu and Chidi Brendan said they were sad that even though their traditional ruler, Eze Ebere Ubani, and their community leader, Ben Iroakazi, had tried to stop the erosion, the problem kept getting worse. They said, “We are living in fear.”
Our farms have been destroyed, and more are at risk. This is a serious and dangerous problem. Most of us are small-scale farmers. Without our farms, homes, and trees, we don’t know how we will survive. We need help from the government right away.”
At a meeting held by the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ABEPA) in Umuahia, the Mayor of Umuahia South Local Government, Chinedu Enwereuz, showed support for the people affected by the erosion.
He said he is working with the Abia State Ministry of Environment to find the best way to solve the problem. “I know about the issue,” he said, “and I’m discussing with the Ministry on what can be done to fix it.”
