Residents of Umugama, Ire Village, Abba, in Njikoka Local Government Area, have recalled years of pain and fear caused by a devastating erosion site that plagued the area for over forty years.
The erosion, which had reportedly claimed the lives of four persons, destroyed several houses, turned the area into a desolate environment, and washed away a major road linking Njikoka and Dunukofia constituencies, cutting off movement and economic activities between the two areas.
To this end, the member representing Njikoka Constituency Two, Dr. Jude Akpua, visited the erosion site to assess the remedial situation following the ongoing re-channelisation, reclamation, and remediation works.
At the site, Dr. Akpua was briefed on how the gully expanded with each rainy season, swallowing homes and farmlands, and forcing many families to flee, adding that life became unbearable as the destroyed road isolated them from neighbouring communities and exposed them to constant danger.
Dr. Akpua thanked Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his prompt response to the plight of his people, noting that past administrations neglected the erosion site but the successful remediation has restored safety, will reopen the connecting road, and has brought relief after decades of suffering.
For residents of Umugama in Abba, including Reverend Father Christian Ononiba, Mrs. Amaka Okechukwu, and Comrade John Obiadike, the visit was not just an inspection, but a moment of reassurance that their long-standing cries were heard and that lasting relief has finally come.
They expressed gratitude to Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, saying that the Governor came to their aid by approving the erosion control project through their lawmaker.
