Residents of Unguwar Nungu, a community in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, have raised alarm over the severe gully erosion that is steadily consuming their lands, urging the state government to act swiftly to prevent the complete destruction of their community.
Newspot findings revealed that the escalating erosion has forced many residents to abandon their homes.
Continuous rainfall in the area has exacerbated the situation, leaving houses and infrastructure vulnerable to flooding and collapse.
Yusuf Agalu, a resident of Unguwar Nungu, decried the dire conditions in the community, noting that every rainfall brings significant flooding that damages property and creates health risks.
“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 added that the community’s existing water channels, rather than providing relief, have worsened the flooding due to blockages caused by the erosion.
Agalu called on the Nasarawa State Government to construct proper drainage systems and involve local residents in planning and maintenance efforts.
Another resident, Abdullahi Lamino, echoed these concerns, urging the government to take immediate action to protect the community’s 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,” Lamino emphasized.
Debbie Ekere, who spoke with Newspot ,explained how she was frustrated at some point, telling her father and brother to leave the water to flow through the rooms till day break.
The community head, Abubakar Ismaila, also expressed his worries about the long-term impact of the erosion, pointing out that politicians had previously promised to address the issue, but no significant action had been taken.
“For many years now, residents of Unguwar Nungu have been suffering from the issues of erosion.
“We have made several efforts on the matter. Politicians have also promised to construct drainages for us, but nothing has been done till today,” Ismaila lamented.
In response, Peter Ahemba, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abdullahi Sule on Public Affairs, acknowledged the erosion challenges in Lafia and explained that the delay in addressing the issue was due to the ongoing construction and rehabilitation of roads in the state capital.
“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.
He reassured the 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.
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