The Abia State Government has advised residents of Amamba Uzuakoli in Bende Local Government Area to relocate from areas devastated by gully erosion, describing them as unsafe for both habitation and farming.

The Commissioner for Environment, Philemon Ogbonna, gave the advice on Friday during an inspection of the affected community. He said Governor Alex Otti directed him to assess the extent of the ecological disaster and assured residents that the state government would intervene soon.

Also speaking during the visit, Labour Party chieftain and former Bende Federal Constituency candidate, Chima Anyaso, expressed concern over the scale of destruction. He sympathised with affected families and pledged to work with the state government to address the crisis. He also criticised previous lawmakers from the constituency for failing to draw government attention to the erosion problem.

The President General of Amamba Uzuakoli, Chigozie Okechukwu, said residents now live in fear as the erosion has destroyed homes, farmlands, and economic trees. He added that youths in the community have blocked access to the affected sites to prevent further tragedies.