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Severe Gully Erosion Wreaks Havoc in Nasarawa State Capital

Residents of Unguwar Nungu, a community in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, are facing a devastating crisis as severe gully erosion is rapidly consuming their lands, forcing many to abandon their homes. The situation has been exacerbated by continuous rainfall, leaving houses and infrastructure vulnerable to flooding and collapse.

According to residents, the escalating erosion has brought significant flooding, damaging properties and creating 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," said Yusuf Agalu, a resident of Unguwar Nungu.

The community’s existing water channels, intended to provide relief, have instead worsened the flooding due to blockages caused by the erosion. Agalu urged 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, calling on 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," he emphasized.

Debbie Ekere shared her frustration, explaining how she was forced to tell her father and brother to let the water flow through their rooms until daylight. The community head, Abubakar Ismaila, expressed concerns about the long-term impact of the erosion, highlighting that politicians had previously promised to address the issue but failed to deliver.

In response to the crisis, Peter Ahemba, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abdullahi Sule on Public Affairs, acknowledged the erosion challenges in Lafia, citing the ongoing construction and rehabilitation of roads in the state capital as the reason for the delay in addressing the issue. 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.

The people of Unguwar Nungu are desperately seeking the government’s intervention to mitigate the effects of the severe gully erosion, which is threatening to destroy their community. It remains to be seen whether the authorities will take swift action to address this critical issue.