The Auchi Youth Council is calling on government authorities at all levels to address the pressing ecological challenges facing Auchi, the headquarters of Etsako West and Edo North in general. The community is grappling with severe gully erosion that has devastated crucial infrastructure, including roads, homes, and schools.
Some members of Auchi Youth council Comrade Hakim U, expressed urgent concerns over the deteriorating situation, appealing for federal and state government intervention. He recalled the campaign promises made by Hon. Abubakar Momoh, the Minister of Regional Development, who assured residents that the government would address the plight of the water tanker road affected by the gully.
After sending Heartland Nigeria Limited to assess the situation, little progress has been made since the election, leaving the community in despair.
Comrade Prince Chalaman highlighted the emotional toll the crisis has taken on residents, reminiscing about the area’s former glory. He pointed out the prestigious Comprehensive High School and the renowned private institution, Rifald, which now face the threat of being overshadowed by the disaster.
Over 100 roads have been lost to erosion, with utility poles disappearing into the ground.
Comrade Muhammed Jamiu emphasized that Auchi has historically been a significant voting bloc yet feels increasingly forgotten by those in power.
With many landlords now displaced and becoming tenants, the plight of residents is dire, as many are now classified as internally displaced persons (IDPs). Jamiu stressed that it is the government’s duty to protect its citizens.
In light of these events, the Auchi Youth Council demands immediate action and justice to prevent the community from being erased entirely by ongoing environmental degradation.