A monarch of Amakohia autonomous community in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, Eze Innocent Alaribe, has passionately appealed to the federal government to tackle gully erosion in all the villages in his domain.
Alaribe said over 50 natives of the community have been rendered homeless including himself, as his palace has long been abandoned by his cabinet chiefs and family members.
He said the incident has forced so many of its indigenous people to desert their ancestral homes.
“If I want to visit my palace, I will park my vehicle at a long distance and trek to the place. My subjects are afraid of even coming there and we have cried out to the government both at the local and state governments but nothing has happened. But we would continue to appeal to them to come to our aid,” he lamented about the situation which the community was passing through.
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He added that the erosion has also destroyed farmlands, taking away livelihoods from the locals, who are predominantly farmers.
President general of the community, Goddie Ukwu, who took our correspondent round the affected areas noted that the erosion has disconnected his community from its neighbours, making the cost of transportation in and outside the area very expensive.
He said, “We are going through hell in my community right now as many homes have been abandoned because of erosion. The depth of this erosion can engulf a two-storey building. Already three buildings have caved in and my people are leaving outside their homes.”
He said the road in the community was no longer passable, adding, “Before we go in and out of here, it’s like a merry go round. Okada will take you through bush parts that you will almost be afraid of if you are a visitor because you will think that they want to kidnap you.
“Our school is losing its students because parents are afraid to enrol their children in the school that is very close to the erosion site.
“Look at the airport; it’s very close to us from here yet very far because of the erosion that has divided us with our neighbouring communities. We appeal to the various governments once more to help us, it’s beyond us.”
