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By Tracy Moses
The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to take urgent steps to tackle the worsening menace of gully erosion in communities within Idah/Igalamela/Ofu Federal Constituency of Kogi State.
This followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. David Idris Zacharias, who raised the alarm over the environmental degradation threatening lives, property, and socio-economic activities in the area.
“Nigeria, like many Sub-Saharan African countries, faces serious soil erosion challenges due to high-intensity rainfall, leading to heavy runoff and soil loss,” Zacharias said while presenting the motion during Tuesday’s plenary. “But the situation in my constituency has reached an alarming level.”
He named communities worst hit by the gully erosion to include Angwa by Oga Primary School in Idah town (Idah LGA), Ajaka in Igalamela-Odolu LGA, and Itobe New Layout, Ajegwu, Aloji, Umomi, and Ugwolawo in Ofu LGA.
According to him, “These gullies are not mere ditches, they are physical barriers. Some are as deep as 25 meters and stretch for up to two kilometers, cutting off communities and making movement nearly impossible.”
The lawmaker described the consequences as devastating, stating: “Roads have disappeared, farmlands have become unusable, homes have been lost, and critical infrastructure like schools and health centres are now inaccessible.”
He warned that unless urgent and coordinated action is taken, the situation would deteriorate further. “We cannot allow these communities to continue living on the edge. Climate change and unchecked human activities are making this problem worse by the day.”
Following the motion’s adoption, the House called on the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Ecological Project Office to partner with the Kogi State Government to immediately address the gully erosion crisis.
The lawmakers also urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to dispatch relief materials to displaced and affected residents.
Additionally, the House mandated its Committee on Environment to interface with relevant agencies for a swift and lasting solution.
“The people of Idah/Igalamela/Ofu cannot be left behind. They deserve safety, stability, and the chance to thrive,” Zacharias added.