A frightening landslide at Ezioko village, Oko, has claimed unprecedented space in one swoop, ANAMBRA PEOPLE reports. The land slide threatens the federal road, and has claimed more homes.
The distance affected is feared to be almost a kilometre away from the original gully, several football pitch size. This indicates the gully erosion ravaging some parts of the community has taken a new dimemsion.
A large drainage said to have been constructed by RONASCO in the 80s sank inside the gulley this afternoon.
To worsen the situation, the affected location is less than 100meters away from Oko round about which leads to Federal Polytechnic, Oko as well as Federal College of Education (Technical) Umunze.
The landslide is an added worry to government in respect of the flooding currently ravaging some parts of Anambra.
Grieving residents express bewilderment as there were no immediate signs of the disaster. However, analyst argue that the heavy rains in the area in the last fews days may have contributed to the heavy disaster.
The Agulu-Nanka-Oko erosion menace has been a major national ecological disaster. Indigenes of the area have lamented near total neglect by the authorities. Community members are of the opinion that the federal government intervenes urgently to avert further irreparable disaster.
Ekwulobia town is also troubled by erosion menace as many indigenes have lost homes and valuable farmlands.
In a related issue, ravaging gully erosion at Federal Polytechnic, Oko, recently washed away part of the perimeter fence of the institution. It has also encroached and destroyed part of the 1.23 km road recently asphalted within the institution by the Federal Ministry of Works and commissioned in February 2021.The erosion is more than 20 meters deep and also threatens surrounding buildings.
In a press conference February 16, 2022, Rector of the institution, Engr. Dr. Francisca Nwafulugo called for urgent help from government, corporate organisations and good spirited Nigerians.
Oko is home to former Vice President of Nigeria, the late Dr. Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme (Ide Aguata). Community members mourn the loss as they recall his initiatives in stemming erosion menace in Oko and environs in his time.
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