Obinomba community in Ukwuani Local Government Area, Delta State, may be facing an imminent disaster in the wake of a severe and relentless erosion ravaging the area, sparking fears of total collapse.
Residents have called on the state government for urgent intervention, warning that the tornado-like erosion could soon wipe out their homes and threaten lives and livelihood.
They made the call when the Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highway and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, visited the erosion site alongside Hon. Chukwudi Dafe, the member representing Ukwuani State Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly.
Izeze promised to relay his observations to the relevant authorities, but the people of Obinomba fear that without immediate action, the situation will worsen rapidly.
Read also: Stop introducing GMOs into Nigeria’s food systems, HOMEF tells FG
He explained that what was formerly a navigable footpath along Dr. Ojudo Street has been transformed into a deep ravine, making it impossible for residents to access the Ethiope River as they once did.
He warned that without government intervention, more homes would be destroyed.
In the same vein, Mr. Pina Obianugba, a Director in the Delta State House of Assembly and native of the community, echoed these concerns, stressing the urgent need for action.
He recounted how the erosion has drastically altered the landscape, filling the Ethiope River with sand and posing a threat to both livelihoods and infrastructure.
He pointed that the erosion has even driven dangerous reptiles out of the gully, adding to the community’s fears.
The community also expressed fears that old Sapele-Agbor Road, a vital trade route, is also at risk of being cut off, potentially isolating the community and causing economic hardship.
They pleaded for urgent government intervention before their community is completely washed away as the erosion deepens.