Residents of Ide village in Ifite quarters of Alor, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, have sent a Save-Our-Soul (SOS) message to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, seeking urgent intervention over the menace of gully erosion threatening their homes and farmlands.
The village, home to former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, has been grappling with expanding erosion, which residents attribute partly to the indiscriminate felling of economic trees in the area.
Speaking on behalf of the community, the Chairman of Ide Aka na-ano village, Mr. Chukwudi Johnson, called on the Anambra State Ministry of Environment to take swift action, including prosecuting those engaged in what he termed “ecological crimes.”
“Our plea to the government serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of ecological crimes in our community,” Johnson stated.
“It is imperative that we recognize the intrinsic value of trees and the ecosystem services they provide.
The Anambra State government must take decisive action to protect the environment, preserve biodiversity, and safeguard the well-being of its citizens.”
A visit to the erosion site revealed that several economic trees, initially planted to curb the spread of the gully, have been felled by residents, worsening the situation.
Indigenes disclosed that the erosion channel constructed in 1983 by the community has since collapsed, further escalating the threat.
Alor is one of many communities in Anambra State battling severe erosion, a recurring issue in the region.
The state government has reiterated its commitment to prosecuting individuals involved in illegal tree felling and sand mining, practices identified as major contributors to environmental degradation.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate