The lawmaker representing Njikoka two Constituency, Hon. Jude Akpua has led Prof. Phil Eze, Managing Director of the Anambra State Erosion Watershed and Climate Change Agency (ANSEWCCA), to the severely damaged gully erosion site at Umugama can Ire Village in Abba Community.
Hon. Akpua who is the Deputy Majority Leader of Anambra State House of Assembly, said the site visit aimed to bring government attention to the ongoing erosion crisis, which has continued to threaten lives, homes, and livelihoods in the area.
The lawmaker expressed deep concern and called on the state government, under the capable leadership of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR, to urgently intervene. He emphasized that climate-related challenges require immediate, strategic responses to prevent further loss of life and property.
Speaking, Hon. J.C. Okeke Nwaka, Special Adviser to the Mayor of Njikoka LGA, described the situation as dire. He highlighted that several family homes belonging to the Ekegboo Emelife, Obaeche Otikpa Emelife, Okafor Chidiofu, Ifeanyi Ikenga, Obiefuna, Chinweze Obaba popular shop, Emma Okoye Mgba, and Fidelis Okoye Mgba families have been completely washed away.
Also speaking, Mr. Ferdinand Okafor, a resident of Umugama-Ire Village, Abba, decried the devastating reach of the erosion, stating that more than 24 households have been forced to abandon their homes. He emotionally recalled a tragic incident from last year where two children, aged 9 and 11, lost their lives due to the gully’s expansion. He further noted that the erosion has stretched into neighbouring communities like Ifitedunu, posing a regional environmental threat.
