OF impacts of erosion in Ekpri Nsukara Offot in Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, which has worsened following the recent heavy rainfall.
The erosion has rendered some streets in the thickly populated community impassable, while some houses are on the verge of being totally destroyed, unless there is intervention by the State Government to avert further disastrous consequences.
It might interest you to know that a four year old girl reportedly drowned in the rampaging erosion, and all efforts to rescue her proved abortive, as she died in flood.
Lamenting the sad development which occurred on Saturday, July 20, 2024, the Village Head of Ekpri Nsukara Offot, Eteidung EMEM DENNIS ASIKPO appealed passionately to the State Governor, Pastor UMO ENO to save them from the erosion hazards.
Eteidung ASIKPO explained that it is usually a period of pain and tears in Ekpri Nsukara Offot, whenever rainy season sets in, as the downpour washes off some streets and flood houses in the affected areas, thereby chasing away inhabitants from their homes for days and sometimes weeks.
Eteidung ASIKPO said the ugly development has made Ekpri Nsukara Offot, which is situated along the Nwaniba Road axis of Uyo Capital City and a co-host of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO), to face the threat of a potential gully erosion with its dire consequences of land degradation and environmental insecurity.
The village head further lamented that indigenes and residents so far affected by the erosion menace are now very helpless, putting the community at the risk of serious environmental health hazards.
According to him, Ekpri Nsukara Offot community wants the government to provide both remedial and permanent solutions to save lives, houses and other properties from further destruction.
Eteidung ASIKPO therefore expressed hope that the administration of Pastor ENO will salvage the community from the perennial erosion menace as the governor has shown tremendous concern as encapsulated in the ARISE Agenda to address challenges facing the people and communities as well as develop rural areas.
