By Abdullahi Lukman
Ajobe, a community in the Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State is battling a growing erosion crisis that threatens its homes, agricultural land, and residents livelihoods.
The once fertile land in the region has been severely impacted by decades of erosion, rendering large areas of farmland unusable.
Professor Muhammad Badr Salifu, a native of the community, attributes the worsening situation to the area’s topography, soft soil, and poorly planned road construction.
It is deeply concerning that an old borrow pit, previously used by successive construction companies has expanded and now threatens to consume the Ajobe Makurdi road.
This construction pit poses a significant risk to the already fragile road infrastructure.
While there have been no fatalities directly linked to the erosion, its environmental impact has been considerable, affecting the entire ecosystem and disrupting the community’s way of life.
Community advocates are raising alarm about the crisis.
Aisha Eleojo, one of the advocates described the situation as a “ticking time bomb,” warning that, without swift intervention, the entire settlement could be lost to advancing erosion.
Many farmers are particularly concerned about the loss of farmland, which has led to a loss of income and significantly reduced food production in the area.
Local farmer Solomon Ejeh emphasized the severe consequences of the erosion, pointing out that it has destroyed farmland, depleted the water table, and exacerbated soil erosion.
The destruction of the local ecosystem threatens the long-term sustainability of the community’s resources.
The erosion problem is driven by a combination of factors, including poor land-use practices, inadequate drainage systems and heavy rainfall.
Eleojo highlighted that farmlands located along roadsides are especially vulnerable to rainwater runoff, which further erodes soil and debris.
Ejeh also noted that the lack of proper drainage infrastructure, has left the area particularly susceptible to further soil erosion.
Efforts to address the situation have been ongoing.
Speaking unbehalf of the council Boss, Comr. Lawal Negedu, the Special Assistant on Media to the Executive Chairman of Ankpa, Engr Ademu Muhammed Yahaya, stated Hon Aliyu Ibrahim Muhammed (HALIMS), member representing Ankpa federal Axis has raised the issue on the floor of House of Representatives.
He introduced a motion calling for immediate action on the erosion crisis, which garnered support.
Halims also facilitated a visit from the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), a World Bank initiative aimed at combating gully erosion.
The team visited the affected areas, assessed the situation, and promised to take action.
However, no concrete steps have been taken so far, leaving the community in a state of uncertainty.
In addition to the erosion issue, local leaders have expressed concerns about broader infrastructure needs.
The Ankpa council chairman, Engr. Ademu Muhammed Yahaya, urged the NEWMAP team, which is responsible for the Olubojo road, to also consider addressing the erosion issue along the Ajobe-Makurdi road.
He emphasized the critical role of this road for local commerce and access to markets.
Engr. Yahaya stressed that improving the Ajobe-Makurdi road would not only enhance the local economy but also help mitigate the erosion problem by ensuring better drainage and land management.
The NEWMAP team has acknowledged the request, but no specific plans or timelines for the road improvements have been provided.
Furthermore, in December, the council chairman received the ACReSAL team in his office, and the team conducted a site visit to assess the erosion damage.
The team confirmed that the site is included in their rehabilitation plans.
The visit was led by the council secretary, Alhaji Muhamed Ibrahim.
As the erosion crisis continues to worsen, the residents of Ajobe remain in a precarious situation, awaiting decisive intervention from both local authorities and external organizations.
While promises of action have been made, the community’s future hangs in the balance, and community development advocates continue to press for urgent solutions before the damage becomes irreversible.
