Three communities in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State now face environmental disaster as a result of gully erosion caused by a failed Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) intervention project.
What was meant to be a government-backed erosion control initiative has seemingly backfired, exacerbating the threat it was deployed to neutralize in Ugboba, Ukwu-Nzu, and Obomkpa communities.
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Investigations reveal that the NEWMAP project, rather than effectively channeling floodwaters from the communities into a nearby river, ended prematurely, discharging runoff water into a nearby bushland.
Over time, this miscalculated termination has resulted in massive gully formation, swallowing roads, and endangering lives and property in the affected communities.
Field investigations by a team of journalists confirmed that the erosion site, previously a flat and accessible terrain, has now been transformed into a dangerous gully directly stemming from the failed discharge system.
Secretary of Ugboba Development Union, Chief Otobo Ofili, speaking at the erosion site, described the situation as an avoidable disaster.
“This gully was not caused by mining activities as falsely claimed by some,” he said, referring to statements made by the President General of Obomkpa Development Union.
“It was the volume of uncontrolled floodwater from Ugboba, Obomkpa, and Ukwu-Nzu, mismanaged by NEWMAP, that carved out this gully.”
He further clarified that the affected land belongs to Ugboba, countering Obomkpa’s claims, and expressed concern over repeated misinformation.
Responding to allegations that coal mining operations contributed to the gully, engineers from Mosra Energy, operators of the Ugboba coal mine, categorically denied the claims.
A Senior Mining Engineer, Obadun Lawrence, explained: “We use a modern open-cast system, not blasting or tunneling.
“Ugboba’s soft soil allows surface mining without dynamite. The idea that vibrations from our operations caused this gully is baseless and technically unfounded.”
He emphasized that the company’s activities are environmentally compliant and do not interfere with the local ecology or agriculture.
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Chief Ofili acknowledged that the Delta State government is aware of the situation and has begun preliminary steps toward intervention, citing a formal letter submitted to the governor earlier this year.
However, residents fear that bureaucratic delays could lead to catastrophic consequences, especially as the rains intensify.
“We have done our part, alerted the state government, debunked falsehoods, and sought collaboration,” Ofili stressed.
“What we need now is urgent, coordinated action to avert a full-scale ecological disaster.”
Ofili urged for a collective response: “This isn’t about land ownership or blame games. This is about survival. We must work together to demand a permanent, technically sound solution.”
At the time of filing this report, all efforts to obtain a response from NEWMAP were unsuccessful.
