By Peter Dibia
Residents of Isiokwu Ihioma autonomous community in Orlu Local Government Area have raised alarm over a worsening gully erosion crisis that has claimed lives, destroyed farmlands, and displaced several families, prompting urgent calls for intervention from all tiers of government.
The traditional ruler of the community, Eze John Nwosu, alongside his council of chiefs and village heads, made the appeal during a press tour of the affected site at Umuezekeoha Umudurunguma on February 20, 2026.
Describing the situation as catastrophic, the monarch lamented that residents can no longer access their homes or engage in farming activities due to the devastating impact of the erosion. He warned that the approaching rainy season could worsen the already dire situation.
“The rain that brings growth now brings us destruction at all times,” Eze Nwosu said, highlighting the existential threat facing the community.
The monarch, a former Chairman of Orlu Local Government and ex-Federal Resident Commissioner, criticised successive administrations for failing to address the problem despite repeated appeals. According to him, the erosion has reached a stage where both local and state governments may no longer have the capacity to tackle it effectively, hence the need for urgent federal intervention.
He recalled that the local government chairman had previously visited the site and promised action, but expressed disappointment that no tangible steps had been taken a year after the visit.
“We have heard nothing. Not even a sign of rescue efforts to reassure our people,” he stated.
Eze Nwosu further urged the local government authority to, at the very least, construct a temporary footpath to ease movement within the community. He stressed that such an intervention is necessary to protect residents from dangers posed by reptiles and wild animals now inhabiting the deep gullies.
Also speaking, the President General of the community, Walter Oleghara, appealed to the Governor of Imo State to urgently intervene, noting that the erosion has severely affected the local economy and environment.
A resident, Augustine Chinedu Nwosu, described the situation as life-threatening, stating that access to homes has become nearly impossible. He added that the psychological impact on families is alarming, especially for children who now live in fear.
He traced the origin of the erosion to 2011, noting that it has since claimed lives and continues to expand unchecked.
Another resident, Nneoma Osuigwe, called on the government to deploy experts to assess and address the crisis. She explained that women in the community are particularly affected, as they can no longer access farms or markets due to the damaged roads.
The Palace Secretary, Kennedy Udeze, disclosed that community leaders and philanthropists had made several attempts to control the erosion and create safe passageways, but their efforts have been unsuccessful.
He stressed the need for immediate professional intervention to prevent further loss of lives and property.
The community warned that without swift action, the erosion could escalate into a full-scale humanitarian crisis, especially with the rainy season fast approaching.
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