by Nigerian News24 Correspondents
A rapidly expanding erosion gully has severely damaged part of the palace belonging to the paramount ruler of Ebem Ohafia Ancient Kingdom in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, Ezie Ukoha Kalu Ukoha. The erosion has left the monarch and his family exposed to significant danger.
Several parts of the Ekeleugo Ebem autonomous community have also suffered damage, with homes, farmlands, and economic trees destroyed. Residents are gripped with fear as the erosion, which began as a small gully a few years ago, has grown substantially in size and depth.
Speaking to our source on Wednesday, Ifeanyi Okali, Publicity Secretary of the Ebem Ohafia Development Union, voiced serious concern over the escalating threat. He warned that lives and property, including that of the traditional ruler, are at grave risk—particularly with the intensifying rains.
Okali explained that while various community efforts—including interventions by local age grades and the Development Union—have been made to curb the menace, the situation has now outgrown what local resources can handle.
He issued a passionate plea to President Bola Tinubu, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, and Ibe Okwara Osonwa, the House of Representatives member for Arochukwu/Ohafia, to step in immediately with government support.
“I had earlier issued an SOS to both the Federal and State governments, warning of the severe threat this erosion poses to our land,” Okali said. “Now, it’s painfully clear—if urgent measures aren’t taken, Ebem Ohafia could vanish not only from Google Maps but also from the map of Abia State.”
In response to the outcry, the Greater Ohafia Development Authority (GODA), established by Governor Alex Otti, has pledged to begin palliative work on the affected areas. According to Okali, GODA’s Director-General, Obinna Odum, has visited the devastated palace and other critical sites to assess the damage.
The traditional ruler, Ezie Ukoha Kalu Ukoha, expressed gratitude and relief following GODA’s commitment to intervene, describing it as a welcome step toward safeguarding the future of his community.