Abia: Residents plead for action as erosion threatens community

From Okey Sampson, Umuahia

Residents of the Military Zone 2 Estate in Alaogwugwu, Umuchichi, Aba, Abia State, have sent a Save Our Souls message to the Federal Government as well as the Abia State Government over the gully erosion that has devastated the area.

Speaking to newsmen after an emergency meeting, the Chairman of the Military Zone 2 Estate Landlords Association, Mr Ifeanyi Udoye, expressed fear that the gully erosion and the associated landslides would bury the entire estate if nothing urgent was done.

He explained that the gully started as a result of sand dredging by some companies at the Waterside River, which has also cut off the railway line linking the city of Aba through Umuahia.

He called on the authorities concerned to expedite action on the erosion to save the lives and properties of residents of the Umuchichi area.

Another landlord, Mr Ikechukwu Amajuoyi, lamented that the landslides have already encroached on the surroundings of the estate and may bury the entire area if urgent action is not taken.

He also expressed fear over the impending doom if nothing urgent was done to salvage the disaster.

A widow, Mrs Uche Akabuike, while appealing for help, said she has no other place to go with her children if the erosion eventually sweeps away their only house.

The village head of Umuchichi, Daniel Otuonye Nwogu, lamented that the erosion ravaging his community has destroyed railway tracks and people’s houses.

He said his people are now living in fear and called for urgent intervention from the government.