By Salifu Faridat
Residents in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State, are living in constant fear as erosion continues to wreak havoc in the town.
The issue is not new, as Lokoja’s topography makes it susceptible to erosion due to its location on the western bank of the rivers Niger/Benue confluence.
Climate change has worsened the situation, leading to devastating floods in 2012 and 2022 that have eroded and rendered many suburbs impassable.
Areas around the rivers Niger/Benue banks and those at the slope of Mount Patti in Lokoja are particularly vulnerable to water erosion caused by frequent flooding.
Recently, residents have voiced concerns about potential epidemic outbreaks due to the unsanitary conditions resulting from open defecation and waste dumping near gullies. During heavy rains, the waste gets washed into homes, posing a serious threat of water-borne diseases.
Despite attempts to control the erosion, past administrations and individual initiatives have failed to halt the water flow channels from carving into the town.
Regrettably, promises from authorities to address the issue have not translated into significant action.
The situation is critical, with gullies cutting off roads and settlements, endangering the lives and property of residents. Some areas have become hazardous for motorists and pedestrians due to roads prone to collapse.
Although some erosion-affected spots have been addressed, residents firmly believe that more intensive efforts are required to combat the menace in various parts of the town.
In response to the crisis, the state government has empowered the Ministry of Environment to conduct a clean-up exercise, aiming to enable free water flow in drainage to the River Niger and mitigate erosion and its consequences during floods.
As the erosion problem continues to grip Lokoja, residents remain uncertain about their future and safety, calling for urgent and effective measures to combat the ongoing devastation.
A concerted effort from authorities and the community is needed to protect the town from further erosion and ensure the well-being of its inhabitants.