Three buildings along Ikpa road in Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have been swallowed by ravine.
Reacting to the situation, residents called for quick intervention, saying the situation could lead to loss of lives if left unchecked.
The councillor, representing Ward 14, Oku 3, Mr. Mmenyene Abasi Michael Okon, told our correspondent that to prevent visitors from falling into the ravine, youths in the area mobilized and guided people on how to ply the area safely.
“We woke up to see this disaster. We have tried our efforts to organise the youths to stand here and control the vehicles going to Uyo City Polytechnic, Barracks Roads, Calabar-Itu and many other places.
“Students cannot have free access to schools to receive lectures. So keke (tricycle) stops here and then the youths will direct them on how to go to the other side so that they will not eventually fall into the ravine.
“I have spent four nights here because when it happened, some people did not know that something like that was going on. So, by putting light on, we have been able to save a lot of people from speeding into the ravine. This is how far we have gone.
“We have taken video clips and pictures of the ravine and sent to the state government and I believe that Governor Udom Emmanuel has seen it,” he stated.
One of the tricycle riders in the area, Mr Joseph Umah, said since the problem started, he hardly visited his family at home due to lack of access road.
“Since this incident happened, I have never entered my house in the afternoon because there is no road for me to pass. I tried Urua Ikpa side, even that one there is a problem.”
“My family is down there, they used to come here and collect money from me. So, government should do something about this road,” he said.
The state’s Commissioner for Environment and Solid Minerals, Mr Charles Udoh, said there was nothing the state government could do immediately to remedy the situation as a result of the rain.
Udoh appealed to residents to be patient, saying the construction plan has been completed and work would start after rainy season.
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