In Ideato Local Goverenment Area of Imo State, fear and anxiety are rising as fast-moving gully erosion continues to threaten lives, homes, and critical community landmarks. Residents are watching helplessly as the ground beneath their feet slowly disappears, with entire areas at risk of being cut off from the rest of the country.
Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, the House of Representatives member for Ideato North and South Federal Constituency, raised the alarm during a press conference in his hometown on Friday. He revealed that the worsening erosion in communities like Urualla, Amanato, and Obodoukwu is no longer just an environmental issue—it’s a disaster threatening to swallow up everything in its path.
“What we are facing now is beyond repair if something urgent is not done,” Ugochinyere warned. “We are talking about a gully that’s coming for a church, the king’s palace, and even federal infrastructure.”
While acknowledging the Federal Government’s N25 billion intervention fund already approved for erosion control in the area, he pointed out that the danger is far from over. He praised both the federal and state governments for their efforts so far but stressed that more urgent help is needed, especially in areas where the erosion has escalated beyond control.
According to Ugochinyere, the situation worsened after the withdrawal of a World Bank-funded project, which reportedly collapsed due to mismanagement by previous state leaders. The withdrawal left the erosion unchecked, forcing farmlands and homes to cave in and leaving people in sorrow and loss.
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“The World Bank had committed about N9 billion before they pulled out,” he said. “Now, our people are left with nothing but pain, and even more lives are at risk.”
Farmers in Obodoukwu have already lost large portions of their farmland, threatening food security and local income. Community leaders also fear that if no action is taken quickly, access roads could disappear completely, cutting Ideato off from neighboring areas.
As the rainy season approaches, the lawmaker is appealing once again to the Federal Government, especially the Ministries of Works and Environment, to act swiftly.
“Please come and save our people. We need machines, experts, and strong political will to stop this disaster before it’s too late,” he pleaded.
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