Reps ask FG to urgently address ravaging gully erosion in Bayelsa communities

By Christiana Ekpa

The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to promptly tackle the ravaging effects of gully erosion in Yenagoa, Obogoro, Famgbe, Ikolo and other communities within and around the Ikoli River of Bayelsa State.
The House said the menace must be tackled to save the communities from the risk of extinction by implementing reclamation and shore protection measures for the
communities within and bordering the Ikoli River.
The House also urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to ensure the resettlement of displaced residents in affected areas and provide relief materials.
It also mandated the Committee on Environment to conduct a tour of the affected communities to assess the damages and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion titled, “Ravaging effects of Gully Erosion in Yenagoa, Obogoro, Famgbe, Ikolo and other Communities within and Around the Ikoli River of Bayelsa State” moved by Hon. Oboku Abonsizibe Oforji.
The House noted that Section 14(2) (b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) provides that the security, safety and welfare of the people of Nigeria shall be the primary purpose of government.
It also noted that the ravaging effect of coastal erosion in Yenagoa, Obogoro, Famgbe, Ikolo, and other communities within and bordering the Ikoli River, resulted in devastating consequences for the indigenes and residents of the areas.
The House observed that landslides from the coastal erosion originating from the Ikoli River have submerged buildings, churches, farmlands, worship sites, schools, football fields, and a lodge housing National Youth Service Corps members.
It was concerned that the ongoing disaster has been unaddressed for years, causing fear among the indigenous and community residents.
The House worried that the erosion has caused significant hardship for indigenous communities, affecting their economic livelihoods and causing children to travel long distances for basic education.