Akugbene Community Landslide: Engr. Yeigagha Calls on Govt Urgent lntervention, Commends Joe Penawou, Garry, others for their lndividual Efforts to Curb the Menace

PRESS RELEASE

18th June, 2025

AKUGBENE COMMUNITY CALLS FOR URGENT GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION AS LANDSLIDES THREATEN LIVES AND INFRASTRUCTURE 

By Engr. Yeigagha Henry 

Akugbene, Delta State. The ancient Akugbene community of the Akugbene-Mein Kingdom is once again reeling from the impact of another devastating landslide, this time at Akpanaka-ebodo waterfront, following a similar disaster that struck Dunoube-ebodo quarters in recent times.

This persistent pattern of landsliding has become a reoccurring decimal in the community, causing anxiety and significant infrastructural loss. The most recent incident at Akpanaka-ebodo was particularly horrific, as it swallowed a multi-million naira concrete jetty within seconds, plunging the entire waterfront into chaos before the eyes of helpless residents. It was a broad-daylight disaster that left the community in shock.

Despite the political relevance of Akugbene, which boasts three voting wards and massive electoral contributions, no government aid has been extended to the people since these incidents began. The silence has been deafening and deeply disheartening.

In the face of this neglect, some philanthropic indigenes have taken bold steps to support the community and curb the menace. The community extends warm appreciation to Rt. Hon. Nicholas Mutu, Hon. Kelly Penawou and Barry Gbe, who have been working tirelessly both personally and through governmental efforts to ensure piling work, are initiated at the Akpanaka-ebodo site and that other pressing communal issues are addressed.

Most noteworthy is the outstanding intervention by Chief J.T. Penawou, the Iyasere of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom, who, in conjunction with Engr. Franklin Garry singlehandedly funded the piling and construction of a concrete pavement at the previously affected Dunoube-ebodo waterfront. His commitment and compassion have brought stability and dignity back to a part of the community that had become a subject of ridicule.

As a concerned indigene of Akugbene, I extend deep gratitude to all who have played supportive roles in these difficult times. Your sacrifices and selflessness have not gone unnoticed.

However, the situation at Akpanaka-ebodo remains urgent. We therefore call on the Delta State Government, Federal Ministry of Environment, NEMA, ecological agencies, international NGOs, and all well-meaning Nigerians and Akugbene indigenes at home and in diaspora to:

Treat the Akpanaka-ebodo landslide as an environmental emergency;

Provide technical, financial, and structural support to halt further erosion; and

Begin comprehensive soil and shoreline protection efforts across all vulnerable riverbanks in Akugbene.

Akugbene must not be left to its fate. The time to act is now.

Sign:

Engr. Henry Yeigagha,

Concerned Indigene of Akugbene