The Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emeruwa, has raised concerns about worsening erosion in Ebem Ohafia, located in Ohafia Local Government Area.
The situation poses a direct threat to the palace of the traditional ruler of the Ebem Ohafia Ancient Kingdom, Ezie Ukoha Kalu Ukoha, along with seven other critical locations.
In response, Emeruwa instructed the Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Kalu Mba Nwoke, to carry out an immediate site inspection of the erosion-affected areas.
This directive came after Kalu Mba Nwoke, who represents Ohafia South, presented the matter during a plenary as one of urgent public importance.
His motion also echoed an earlier warning issued by the Publicity Secretary of the Ebem Ohafia Development Union, Ifeanyi Okali.
The Speaker further urged the Committee on Environment to engage with appropriate government bodies to create a detailed plan to address erosion not only in Ebem but also in similar communities facing environmental threats.
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While briefing the Assembly, Nwoke painted a dire picture of the damage already done.
He warned that unless urgent steps are taken, the erosion could lead to a full-blown disaster.
He listed several locations already affected, including the back of the police divisional headquarters, Mben Hospital, and five other spots within Ebem Ohafia.
“These areas are collapsing rapidly especially with the intensifying rainfall, the danger is growing by the day. If left unchecked, the erosion could wipe out the entire community,” Nwoke told the Abia parliament.
The House has since forwarded the issue to its Environment Committee for a formal review and physical evaluation of the erosion sites.