Residents of Ogbeozoma community in Okpanam, Oshimili North, Delta State, are calling on the Federal and Delta State Governments to urgently address the worsening gully erosion threatening lives and property.
Some residents told reporters on Thursday that the erosion has severely damaged infrastructure and continues to endanger buildings and livelihoods. They expressed fears that the advancing gully has weakened the foundations of many structures, risking collapse.
The residents warned that, without prompt intervention, many homes could be lost, and lives could be at risk.
Mrs. Augustina Agba, a trader and resident, lamented declining business activities and what she called the community’s gradual abandonment due to erosion.
“Even the blind can see that the community is no longer what it used to be. We have nowhere to run,” she said.
She urged the government to act quickly to prevent further damage.
“Only timely intervention can save us,” she added.
Mr. Tony Nwabueze, a cement dealer, said he had nearly shut down his business due to reduced demand, as construction has halted in the area.
“People have stopped building, and ongoing projects are suspended because they can’t access their sites,” he explained.
He also noted that the gully has cut through a main road for over three kilometers, blocking residents’ access to their homes.
He called on authorities to intervene urgently.
Similarly, Mr. Johnson Omoni, a landlord, described the situation as dire.
“Residents now rely on makeshift wooden bridges to access their homes. It’s life-threatening, especially during rainfall, as floodwaters could sweep away the bridges,” he said.
Mr. Samson Kenechi, a member of the landlords’ association, said the state government has shown concern by providing funds to support intervention efforts.
He explained that these funds aim to attract additional support from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP).
Kenechi said discussions with NEWMAP and government officials have been encouraging, with assurances that the erosion problem will be addressed.
“We urge the Federal and State Governments to urgently come to our aid and save our community from this devastating erosion,” he appealed.
