By Oso Abidemi
Residents of Unguwar Wadada (II) Extension in Abaji Area Council have raised alarm over a worsening gully erosion threatening their homes and livelihoods, appealing to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister, Nyesom Wike, to urgently intervene before more lives and properties are lost.
During a visit to the site on Saturday, some residents told New National Star that the erosion, which has been expanding for over three years, has already led to the collapse of several houses, forcing affected families to relocate.
One of the victims, Malam Haruna Saidu, whose house caved in last year, said he and his family have since been squatting with neighbours.
“The erosion continues to pose a serious danger to us. Part of my house collapsed, and I had no choice but to relocate with my family,” he said.
Saidu added that residents had resorted to contributing money monthly to pay tipper drivers to dump refuse into the gully as a temporary measure, but the situation has worsened beyond their control.
Another landlady, Mrs. Aisha Idris, said half of her building had collapsed despite repeated appeals to the area council authorities.
“We have written several letters, but no response has come. The erosion keeps eating deeper,” she lamented.
Similarly, Malam Danjuma Ibrahim, whose house completely collapsed, said he narrowly escaped with his family.
“It is God that saved us. When I noticed part of the building had given way, I quickly evacuated my property before the rest collapsed,” he recalled.
The residents accused the Abaji Area Council of neglect, despite earlier assurances by the council secretary that officials from the works department would inspect the site.
They appealed to the council chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Abdullahi, to liaise with the FCTA and the Ecological Fund Office under the Presidency for urgent remediation.
“Our lives are at stake. We want the authorities to take action now before more damage is done,” Saidu said.
