The lawmaker representing Ideato North and South federal constituency of Imo, Ikenga Ugochinyere, has expressed concern over the serious existential threats posed by erosion and insecurity to his constituency.

Speaking at a news briefing in Owerri on Thursday, Mr Ugochinyere urged the state and federal governments to address the issues without further delay. He regretted that the erosion had already ravaged buildings and farmlands, while many lives had been brutally cut short by bandits.

Although the lawmaker commended the governments’ progress in controlling the Umuchima erosion menace, he said that bigger erosion challenges had emerged in other areas.

“Ideato is sinking and is at the verge of extinction, and requires the deliberate attention of the state and federal governments to salvage the people. We have succeeded with the Umuchima erosion control, but we have bigger challenges in places like Urualla.

“In Urualla, where the World Bank pulled out, the erosion has gone out of control with new communities sinking day by day,” he said.

He also mentioned that Urualla alone had three erosion sites, noting that a 1.2km drainage system was currently being constructed to control erosion into the Orashi River. He, however, stated that his efforts toward achieving the drainage system were limited, given the new erosion challenges in Obodoukwu, Isiokpo, and Ejezie communities.

“The bypass being used for Umueshi-Amanator-Isiekenesi-Dikenafai-Okwelle is already sinking too and needs to be fixed. We need the state and federal governments as a matter of urgency to intervene in controlling erosion in the two local government areas, which have contributed to the development of the state and the country,” he said.

He also mentioned that other erosion-ravaged communities included Akokwa and Osina, as well as the Umuobom Bridge, which was on the verge of collapse.

Speaking on security, the lawmaker lamented the worsening breaches in the area, calling for the establishment of local vigilance groups to tackle the menace. He expressed deep regret over the recent attack on Arondiizuogu communities, including Umualaoma, Ejezizuogu, and Ndiakunwanta, where more than 26 people were reportedly killed.

Mr Ugochinyere said he had visited and disbursed N5 million to assist survivors and families of deceased persons. He further disclosed that he had launched the “Ideato Emergency Fund” to support families of victims and survivors of various armed attacks in the constituency.

“The fund has so far realised N32 million with a N50 million target through donations from friends in the next few days,” he said.

He, however, called on the Ideato North and Ideato South council chairmen to rise to the occasion by visiting and supporting the victims and survivors of insecurity in their areas.

The lawmaker also voiced concern about the crisis plaguing the Peoples Democratic Party, frowning at the way he was “unfairly” treated by the party.

(NAN)