The once-thriving community of Ekwulummiri in Anambra's Nnewi South Local Government Area is on the brink of collapse.
Gully erosion has ravaged the town, leaving a trail of destruction and despair. Homes, farmlands, and economic trees have been swept away, displacing families and threatening the very existence of the community.
"I'm scared for my children's future," said Mrs. Nneoma, a resident of Ekwulummiri, decried while speaking to SaharaReporters during a media briefing in Awka. "Every rainy season, we hold our breaths, praying that the gully won't consume more of our land. It's a constant fear that grips our hearts."
The gully erosion has not only destroyed physical structures but also disrupted the community's way of life. Farmers can no longer tend to their land, businesses are struggling, and children are forced to walk long distances to school.
"We've lost count of the number of times we've rebuilt our homes, only to see them washed away by the gully," said Chief Clement Ezeifedikwa, a community leader. "We're tired of living in fear. We need the government to intervene and save our community."
Despite efforts by the community to combat the gully erosion, the problem persists.
"We've planted trees, constructed drainage channels, and created catchment pits, but it's not enough," said Mr. Cassidy Ikejiaku, a youth leader, told SaharaReporters.
"The gully is getting bigger and deeper, and we can't stop it on our own."
The people of Ekwulummiri are crying out for help. They urge Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the Federal Government to declare an emergency and provide urgent assistance to mitigate the disaster.
"We're not just fighting for our homes; we're fighting for our lives," said Mr. Chinedu Anyaso, a stakeholder in the community. "We need the government to act now and save our community from this ecological disaster."
The situation in Ekwulummiri is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of gully erosion in Anambra State. With over 1,000 active erosion sites reportedly in the state, it needs urgent action to prevent further destruction and displacement.
