By Ugochukwu Alaribe

Residents of the Military Zone 2 Estate in Umuchichi community in Osisioma Ngwa Council Area of Abia State, have sent a Save-Our-Soul message to the Abia State Government over the gully erosion ravaging the area.

The residents, including the Alaogwugwu and Umuokuru na Adile kindreds, lament that the erosion needs urgent attention to save their lives and properties from the menace which has already engulfed the entire Military Zone 2 Estate and adjoining areas.

Speaking to South-East Voice, the Chairman of the Military Zone 2 Estate Landlords Association, Mr. Ifeanyi Udoye expressed fear that the gully erosion would consume the entire backyard of the Estate if necessary preventive measures are not urgently taken to curb the looming danger.

He also explained that the gully erosion started as a result of the dredging of the river by some companies along the waterside, which also has cut off the railway line linking Aba to Umuahia.

He called on the government to expedite action to save the lives and properties of residents in the Umuchichi area. Another landlord, Mr. Ikechukwu Amajuoyi, expressed fear that the over 30,000 residents of the area will be in greater danger if nothing is done urgently.

A widow, Mrs. Uche Akabuike, also lamented that she has no other place to go with her children if the threatening erosion is not stopped.

She said: “I have nowhere to relocate to if the erosion is allowed to destroy the only property left for my family by my late husband. I am pleading with the government to urgently come to our rescue and stop the impending disaster.’’

On his part, the Village Head of Umuchichi, Mr. Daniel Otuonye Nwogu lamented that the deadly landslides ravaging his community came as a surprise and had already destroyed the railway tracks, people’s houses and properties, and pleaded with the government to respond immediately to save lives and properties.

He said: “We, the residents of Umuchichi community are living  in fear of the impending doom and pray that the government will, as a matter of urgency, come to the rescue of the people of Umuchichi.”