Urgent Appeal as Gully Erosion Devastates Uzuakoli

Gully erosion in Uzuakoli, Abia State, has severely impacted the community, threatening to wipe out entire villages, including Amamba, Ngwu, Amankwo, Agbozu, and Eluama. The erosion has grown seven kilometers over eight years, swallowing three two-storey buildings and four bungalows, and destroying hectares of farmland.

Residents, including men, women, and youth, gathered in the village square to express their despair, carrying placards that read about their lost farmland and future. They have called on Governor Alex Otti and other officials, including Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Rt.

Hon. Benjamin Kalu, for urgent help. The community has previously mobilized funds for palliative work, but flooding in 2019 caused further destruction, leading to a total loss of N67 million in investments.

Despite assessments by agencies like NEWMAP and EU experts, no significant action has been taken to address the erosion, leaving residents fearful of complete displacement.