By Timothy Ejoh
Residents of Egbo-Ideh Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State have raised the alarm over what they describe as an imminent environmental disaster caused by severe river erosion.
Community leaders say shoreline protection and piling works previously constructed in the area have failed, allowing the river to wash away large portions of land daily.
According to Comr. Elijah Ovedje Muemuifo, a community development advocate, the erosion is now threatening residential buildings, farmlands, and other economic activities.
“What was meant to protect lives, homes, and critical infrastructure is now failing to withstand the force of the river,” Muemuifo said in a statement on Friday.
“With every passing day, the erosion advances further into the community. This is no longer a warning, it is an emergency that demands immediate intervention” he added.
The community is calling on the Federal Government, Delta State Government, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Federal Ministries of Works and Environment, and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to deploy technical teams for assessment and emergency remedial works.
Muemuifo warned that every day of delay increases the risk of losing more land, property, livelihoods, and potentially human lives.
“Preventive action today will cost far less than responding to a full-scale disaster tomorrow,” he said.
The statement also urged political leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, and citizens to unite in demanding urgent government intervention.
“The people of Egbo-Ideh deserve protection. They deserve resilient infrastructure. They deserve the right to live without the constant fear of losing their ancestral land to erosion,” the statement read.
The community concluded with the appeal: “The time to act is NOW. Save Egbo-Ideh. Save Our Future.”