In a bid to ensure the well-being of the citizenry, the House of Representatives has called on the authorities to tackle the ravaging effects of gully erosion in Yenagoa, Obogoro, Famgbe, Ikolo and other communities within and around the Ikoli River in Bayelsa State.

These decisions followed adopting a motion sponsored by Hon. Oboku Abonsizibe Oforji at the plenary presided over by the deputy speaker, Mr Benjamin Kalu.

I’m effect, the House urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to ensure the resettlement of displaced residents in affected areas and provide relief materials.

The House also mandated its 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.

Oforji, while moving the motion, stressed the need to tackle the menace 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.

He referred to Section 14(2) (b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) on the need to ensure the security, safety and welfare of the people of Nigeria, which shall be the primary purpose of
government to buttress the need for the House intervention.

The lawmaker 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.

He stated that landslides from 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.

He added, “I am concerned that the ongoing disaster has been unaddressed for years, causing fear among the indigenous and community residents.

” I am 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, just as numerous residents were displaced by the disaster.”

He warned that at the peak of the rainy season, the implications of heavy flooding ignite a looming danger unless prompt action is taken to mitigate the disaster.

He expressed concern over the loss of lives, including the death of a woman tragically swept away by a landslide in her sleep, whose body remains unaccounted for to this day.