The people of Ebem Ohafia in Abia State are living under the shadow of a deepening ecological disaster as severe erosion continues to ravage their community, destroying homes, displacing families, and threatening the traditional palace.
Residents describe the situation as catastrophic, with environmental degradation and economic hardship becoming daily realities. For over a decade, the erosion has intensified, yet urgent government intervention remains absent.
“The situation is dire and requires immediate government attention,” said Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, Executive Director of the Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD). “This is no longer a threat — it’s a disaster.”
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Families in Crisis
The human toll is devastating. Mrs. Nneoma Okoro, a farmer and mother, broke down in tears while recounting her loss. “I’ve lost my home, my farm, and my means of survival. We’re begging the government to help us — before it’s too late.”
Community leader Chief Uchenna Okoroafor added: “We’ve cried for help for years. This erosion has become a death sentence. We’re tired of living in fear.”
Economic Impact
Beyond the loss of homes, the local economy has been crippled. Businessman Mr. Chukwuemeka Onyeji lamented the toll on commerce: “Shops are gone, roads are collapsing, and we’re watching our future vanish.”
FENRAD Issues Four-Point Rescue Plan
FENRAD is calling on the Abia State Government to act swiftly with a clear action plan:
- Conduct a comprehensive environmental assessment in erosion-prone zones.
- Implement immediate erosion control interventions.
- Provide emergency relief to displaced families.
- Develop a long-term strategy for environmental sustainability and erosion management.
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Historic Palace Under Threat
According to Elder Idika Kalu Uche, Secretary of the Ebem Ohafia Development Union, the town’s heritage is also at risk. “Part of the Ebem Ujuruezie Palace is now hanging on the edge. If nothing is done quickly, we may lose this historic structure. We plead with the federal, state, and local governments — as well as well-meaning Nigerians — to come to our aid.”
Call for Urgent Government Response
The erosion in Ebem Ohafia is no longer a localized problem — it’s a state emergency. Residents insist that the Abia State Government must respond with urgency and commitment to halt further damage and restore hope.
“This is about survival,” Mrs. Okoro emphasized. “We’re not just losing our homes — we’re losing our lives. The government must act now.”
