Anambr Erosion Threat: Community Issues Urgent SOS To Governor Soludo
Residents of Ide village in Ifite Quarters, Alor, Idemili South Local Government Area in Anambra State have issued a desperate SOS to the state government regarding a worsening gully erosion that threatens both homes and agricultural lands.
Alor is just one of several communities in Anambra State facing significant erosion challenges. The state government has previously cautioned against illegal activities such as tree felling and sand mining, warning that violators would be prosecuted.
A recent inspection of the affected site revealed that illegal tree cutting near the erosion area has intensified the situation, resulting in many residents evacuating their homes due to fears of potential collapse.
The community’s erosion channel, built in 1983, has failed, and reports indicate that criminals have cut down numerous economic trees planted by residents to mitigate further erosion.
Mr. Chukwudi Johnson, the chairman of Ide Aka na-ano village, accused Ifenna Okafor of spearheading the illegal tree-cutting activities and called on the Anambra State Ministry of Environment to take action against those committing these “ecological crimes.”
“Our appeal to the government highlights the severe repercussions of ecological crimes within our community. The Anambra State government must take decisive action to protect the environment, maintain biodiversity, and ensure the safety of its citizens,” he stated.
In response, Okafor, the chairman of the Umuoburu kindred in Alor, rejected the accusations, deeming them unfounded and a form of harassment. He claimed that the village’s vice chairman had hired him to remove fallen trees blocking floodwater, which was worsening the erosion and damaging farmland.
Mr. Kennedy Uche, the village’s legal counsel, condemned the tree felling in areas vulnerable to erosion, labeling it as an ecological crime and asserting that those responsible must face legal repercussions.
The issue has been reported to the Nnobi Police Station for further investigation, and the community is urging immediate action to tackle the environmental crisis
