Edo Gully Erosion Threatens Homes, Lives In Ekpoma As Group Questions Whereabouts Of Ecological Fund | Sahara Reporters

The organisation said the situation had become particularly dangerous during the rainy season, as heavy rainfall continues to worsen the erosion and push the expanding gully closer to residential buildings.

A civic-accountability organisation, MonITNG, has raised the alarm over worsening gully erosion along Ukhun Road in the Staff Quarters area of Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, warning that the expanding erosion is threatening residential buildings, properties and lives.

MonITNG, in a statement directed at Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo on Monday, called for urgent government intervention while questioning the whereabouts and utilisation of the state’s Ecological Fund.

“This is the gully erosion ravaging the Staff Quarters area along Ukhun Road in Ekpoma, Esan West LGA, Edo State. The gully is rapidly expanding towards residential buildings, putting homes, properties and lives at serious risk,” it said.

The organisation said the situation had become particularly dangerous during the rainy season, as heavy rainfall continues to worsen the erosion and push the expanding gully closer to residential buildings.

“Residents are living in fear, especially during the rainy season, as every heavy downpour worsens the erosion and brings the gully closer to their homes. Despite the growing danger, the community is still waiting for urgent government intervention,” MonITNG said.

Against this backdrop, the organisation questioned the state government on how the Ecological Fund was being utilised to address serious environmental challenges, particularly erosion affecting communities.

“Governor Monday Okpebholo where is Edo State’s Ecological Fund, and how is it being utilized to address serious environmental challenges like this?” the organisation asked.

MonITNG also demanded information on how much the state government had allocated to tackle erosion across Edo State, the interventions that had already been undertaken and plans to protect communities affected by the erosion along Ukhun Road.

“How much has been allocated to tackle erosion across Edo State? What interventions have been carried out, and what plans are in place to save the affected communities along Ukhun Road?” it asked.

🚨 GOVERNOR OKPEBHOLO, WHERE IS EDO STATE’S ECOLOGICAL FUND?
Dear Gov @m_akpakomiza
This is the gully erosion ravaging the Staff Quarters area along Ukhun Road in Ekpoma, Esan West LGA, Edo State. The gully is rapidly expanding towards residential buildings, putting homes,… pic.twitter.com/tuHbPGzZvh
— MonITNG (@monitng) August 17, 2026

The organisation stressed that the situation required immediate government attention, warning against waiting until the erosion causes the collapse of homes or leads to loss of lives before action is taken.

“The people of Ekpoma should not have to wait until homes collapse or lives are lost before government responds,” MonITNG said.

It called for proper engineering intervention and urgent measures to halt the further expansion of the gully and prevent additional destruction in the area.

“This gully requires immediate attention, proper engineering intervention and urgent measures to prevent further destruction,” the organisation said.

MonITNG further urged the Edo State Government and relevant environmental agencies to urgently visit the affected location, assess the extent of the erosion and take decisive action before the situation escalates into a major disaster.

“We are calling on the Edo State Government and relevant environmental agencies to urgently visit the affected area, assess the situation and take decisive action before this becomes a major disaster,” it said.

The organisation said residents of Ekpoma deserved clarity on the government’s environmental interventions and accountability regarding funds meant to address ecological challenges across the state.

“Governor Okpebholo, the people of Ekpoma deserve answers. They deserve transparency. Most importantly, they deserve protection,” MonITNG said.

It concluded its appeal by asking the Edo State Government to account for the state’s Ecological Fund and explain the intervention being provided to communities facing environmental threats.

“Where is the Ecological Fund? Where is the intervention? Where is the accountability? Ukhun Road is calling for help. Edo State must act NOW.”

The Ekpoma alert follows a similar call MonITNG made last Thursday, when it urged Okpebholo to address recurring flooding in parts of Benin City while demanding greater transparency over the state’s use of ecological funds.

In that statement, the platform highlighted persistent flooding experienced by communities behind Ontario Park in Amagba, Oredo Local Government Area, saying the situation reflects the apparent absence of adequate drainage infrastructure and requires immediate government intervention.

Addressing the governor directly, the group said, “This is the recurring reality whenever it rains in many parts of Benin City.”

It added, “Residents of the area behind Ontario Park, Amagba, Oredo Local Government Area, are once again forced to contend with severe flooding caused by the apparent absence of adequate drainage infrastructure.”

According to MonITNG, the recurring flooding has continued to inflict hardship on residents and underscores the need for long-term investment in drainage infrastructure rather than temporary responses after each heavy rainfall.

The organisation noted that the consequences of flooding extend beyond the immediate disruption caused by overflowing water, affecting public infrastructure, businesses, homes and the health of affected communities.

The statement read, “Flooding is not just an inconvenience, it destroys homes and businesses, damages roads, disrupts livelihoods, exposes families to waterborne diseases, and puts lives at risk.”

“Communities should not have to endure this year after year without lasting solutions,” it added.