By Cheta Enyoghasi
Residents of Lafia, Nasarawa State have called on the state government to take necessary actions on the devastating erosion that has forced them to vacate their homes.
Numerous people have been forced to leave their homes due to erosion, and the situation has been made worse by constant rainfall, making infrastructure and residences more vulnerable to flooding and collapse.
A resident, Yusuf Agalu expressed concern over the community’s dire conditions, citing significant flooding, property damage, and health risks.
He mentioned the fear of building collapse due to gully erosion and the blockages caused by erosion in the community’s existing water channels.
“As I speak with you now, many people have left their homes to stay with their relatives because we do not sleep at night anytime it is raining.
“The fear that our buildings may collapse is real because the fear of the gully erosion does not leave our minds,” Agalu said.
He called on the Nasarawa State Government to construct proper drainage systems and involve local residents in planning and maintenance efforts to address the flooding and health risks.
Abdullahi Lamino expressed concerns about erosion causing flooding and hazardous conditions in the community, urging the government to take immediate action to protect their safety and livelihoods.
“The erosion exacerbates flooding during the rainy season and creates hazardous conditions for the community members. We urgently seek the government’s support and intervention to address this crisis,” he said.
The community head, Abubakar Ismaila, expressed concerns about the long-term impact of erosion, citing politicians’ promises but no significant action had been taken.
Peter Ahemba, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abdullahi Sule on Public Affairs in reaction, acknowledged the erosion challenges in Lafia and explained that the delay in addressing the issue was due to ongoing road construction and rehabilitation in the state capital.
He reassured residents that the government is committed to their welfare and urged them to remain hopeful, stating that the issue is a priority for the administration.
“We actually understand the plights of residents in Lafia who are presently experiencing erosion issues.
“We are aware of the situation, but we are unable to attend to it now because of the ongoing construction and rehabilitation of roads,” Ahemba said.
