Residents of the Ibere community in Ikwuano Local Government Area, Abia State, are living in fear after an erosion control project collapsed following the first rainfall. The project, initially awarded to NDDC, was allegedly taken over by the deputy mayor of Ikwuano LGA and reassigned to a state contractor, resulting in substandard work.
The community had expected relief from the project, which was initially attracted by Hon. Chinedu Kanu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), but the state government’s intervention led to its reassignment. Now, the two erosion control sites have failed to withstand the first downpour, raising concerns about further damage to farmlands, property, and potential loss of lives.
Villagers are calling for urgent intervention from federal and state authorities, demanding an investigation into the quality of work and the circumstances surrounding the project’s transfer. “Our people are living in fear because if the erosion continues, it will swallow our homes and farms,” a community source lamented.
The collapse has left the community vulnerable to further erosion, with residents seeking answers and action from authorities. Community leaders are pushing for accountability and urgent measures to prevent further devastation.
