The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to act promptly against the devastating effects of gully erosion in Yenagoa, Obogoro, Famgbe, Ikolo, and other communities within and around the Ikoli River in Bayelsa State.
The House stressed the need to tackle this menace to save the affected communities from potential extinction. They called for implementing reclamation and shore protection measures for the communities within and bordering the Ikoli River to prevent further damage.
Additionally, the House urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to prioritise the resettlement of displaced residents in affected areas and provide them with essential relief materials.
To fully assess the situation and inform further legislative action, the House also mandated the Committee on Environment to conduct a tour of the affected communities within four weeks and report back their findings.
These resolutions were adopted during Thursday’s plenary session following the motion sponsored by Hon. Oboku Abonsizibe Oforji, representing Bayelsa State.
Presenting the motion, Hon. Oforji highlighted the devastating consequences of the ravaging coastal erosion for the affected communities. He mentioned the submergence of buildings, churches, farmlands, worship sites, schools, football fields, and even a lodge for National Youth Service Corps members due to landslides from the eroding Ikoli River.
The lawmaker expressed concern about the long-standing neglect of this ongoing disaster, causing fear and hardship for the indigenous residents. He emphasised the negative impact on the communities’ economic livelihoods and the disruption to children’s education due to the need to travel long distances for basic schooling.
Hon. Oforji further raised alarm about the imminent danger of heavy flooding during the rainy season and the potential for further loss of life unless prompt action is taken to mitigate the disaster. He tragically noted the death of a woman swept away by a landslide in her sleep, whose body remains missing to this day.