By Patrick Ochei
Ugboba, Ukwu-Nzu, and Obomkpa, three historically resilient communities in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, now teeter dangerously on the edge of environmental collapse as a gully erosion crisis intensifies, allegedly sparked by a failed Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) intervention.
What was meant to be a government-backed erosion control initiative has seemingly backfired, exacerbating the threat it was deployed to neutralize.
Investigations reveal that the NEWMAP project, rather than effectively channeling floodwaters from the communities into a nearby river, ended prematurely, discharging runoff into nearby bushland.
Over time, this miscalculated termination has resulted in massive gully formation, swallowing roads and endangering lives and property.
NEWMAP’s Collapse: A Man-Made Disaster
Field investigations by a team of journalists confirmed that the erosion site, previously a flat and accessible terrain, has now been transformed into a dangerous gully directly stemming from the failed discharge system.
Chief Otobo Ofili, Secretary of Ugboba Development Union, speaking at the erosion site, described the situation as an avoidable disaster.
“This gully was not caused by mining activities as falsely claimed by some,” he said, referring to statements made by the President General of Obomkpa Development Union.
“It was the volume of uncontrolled floodwater from Ugboba, Obomkpa, and Ukwu-Nzu, mismanaged by NEWMAP, that carved out this gully.”
He further clarified that the affected land belongs to Ugboba, countering Obomkpa’s claims, and expressed concern over repeated misinformation.
Mining Activities Wrongly Accused
Responding to allegations that coal mining operations contributed to the gully, engineers from Mosra Energy, operators of the Ugboba coal mine, categorically denied the claims.
Engr. Obadun Kayode Lawrence, Senior Mining Engineer, explained: “We use a modern open-cast system, not blasting or tunneling.
“Ugboba’s soft soil allows surface mining without dynamites. The idea that vibrations from our operations caused this gully is baseless and technically unfounded.”
He emphasized that the company’s activities are environmentally compliant and do not interfere with the local ecology or agriculture.
Government Intervention in Sight—But Delay Could Be Deadly
Chief Ofili acknowledged that the Delta State Government is aware of the situation and has begun preliminary steps toward intervention, citing a formal letter submitted to the Governor earlier this year.
However, residents fear that bureaucratic delays could lead to catastrophic consequences, especially as the rains intensify.
“We have done our part, alerted the government, debunked falsehoods, and sought collaboration,” Ofili stressed.
“What we need now is urgent, coordinated action to avert a full-scale ecological disaster.”
Calls for Unity Over Division
Amid growing tension and community rivalry, Ofili urged for a collective response: “This isn’t about land ownership or blame games. This is about survival. We must work together to demand a permanent, technically sound solution.”
With NEWMAP under scrutiny and lives hanging in the balance, the question remains: Will action come before the land gives way?
At the time of filing this report, all efforts to obtain a response from NEWMAP were unsuccessful.
