By Abdullahi Lukman
A deepening and expanding gully erosion in Olufofo community, Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State has destroyed an unquantifiable number of homes, farmlands, roads and critical infrastructure worth about N70 million.
The erosion has, over the last ten years, cut off the community from neighboring areas, caused loss of lives and properties, and crippled local economic activities.
Speaking in an interview with NatureNews on the worsening condition, the Youth Association Chairman of Olufofo, Engr. T.J. Onuche, expressed deep concern over the scale of destruction.
“The erosion has divided the road that links Olufofo to other communities. It has claimed lives, destroyed properties, and completely affected our economy. For more than ten years, businesses have shut down and revenue from transportation has disappeared,” he said.
Onuche explained that the primary cause of the erosion is heavy runoff water flowing from the uphill Inye community, worsened by the rising number of buildings that contribute to the volume of surface water.
The most affected area stretches from Ogane-Ofe-Ago in Olufofo down to the Ofugo axis.
He explained the impact on basic services, saying that residents now take long detours around the erosion site to access schools, health centers, markets, and clean water — facilities that were once within walking distance.
The destruction of electricity poles has also left parts of the community in darkness.
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According to residents, the gully erosion has caused serious soil degradation, leading to poor yields. Wildlife have increasingly encroached on farmland due to the loose, sandy soil, worsening food insecurity in the area.
Mr. Saheed Tijani, a local resident, explained that the community has attempted self-help through fundraising initiatives, but the scale of the disaster has made such efforts insufficient.
“We raised funds, but it’s not enough. Government last intervened over 17 years ago during the administration of former Governor Ibrahim Idris. Even then, no proper channels were constructed, and now the erosion is far worse,” Tijani said.
He estimated that the erosion has damaged property worth between N60 and N70 million, including the destruction of more than six houses and the loss of several lives during the previous rainy season.
In response to the situation, the Deputy house Leader and Member representing Ankpa Federal Constituency, Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims, has assured constituents that the federal government is monitoring road projects aimed at connecting Olufofo with other communities in Ankpa and Omala Local Government Areas.
“As promised, we are tracking progress on the Ikebe–Emekutu–Olufofo–Olla road project. Once that is concluded, I will work to facilitate a legal framework that will allow for ecological intervention in Olufofo and other erosion-threatened areas like Afor Gam Gam, Okpoku, and Okaba,” Halims stated.
He reaffirmed his commitment to service, pledging not to renege on promises made to the people.
Meanwhile, Olufofo residents continue to appeal for swift intervention from federal, state, and local governments, as well as support from NGOs and public-spirited Nigerians.
They are specifically requesting the construction of high-capacity drainage systems to carry stormwater away from the community and prevent further erosion.
