Erosion: Anambra community sends SOS to Gov Soludo

Residents of Ide village in Ifite Quarters, Alor, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, have issued a save-our-soul (SOS) plea to the state government over an expanding gully erosion threatening homes and farmlands.

Alor is one of many communities in the state grappling with severe erosion issues. The Anambra State government has previously warned that individuals involved in illegal tree felling or sand mining would face prosecution.

A visit to the affected area revealed that illegal tree felling along the erosion site has exacerbated the problem, forcing many residents to abandon their homes for fear of imminent collapse.

The community’s erosion channel, constructed in 1983, has collapsed, and hoodlums have reportedly felled a significant number of economic trees planted by residents to prevent further erosion.

The chairman of Ide Aka na-ano village, Mr. Chukwudi Johnson, accused one Ifenna Okafor of leading the illegal tree felling activities. Johnson called on the Anambra State Ministry of Environment to intervene and prosecute those involved in what he described as “ecological crimes.”

He stated, “Our plea to the government serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of ecological crimes in our community. The Anambra State government must act decisively to protect the environment, preserve biodiversity, and safeguard citizens’ well-being.”

However, Okafor, chairman of the Umuoburu kindred in Alor, denied the allegations, labeling them as baseless blackmail. He claimed the village vice chairman had contracted him to remove fallen trees obstructing floodwater, which had worsened erosion and destroyed farmland.

The village’s legal counsel, Mr. Kennedy Uche, condemned tree felling in erosion-prone areas, deeming it an ecological crime. He insisted that those involved must face legal consequences.

The matter has been reported to the Nnobi Police Station for further investigation, with the community urging swift action to address the environmental crisis.