In the quiet town of Auchi, tucked in the heart of Etsako West Local Government Area, life used to move with the rhythm of tradition and hope. Families worked their farms, children attended school, and Warake Road connected them to the rest of Edo State. Today, that peace is disappearing—swallowed by the earth itself.
What began as a harmless crack in the ground over ten years ago has now become a monstrous gully. A ravine so deep, so wide, it has devoured homes, farmlands, schools, and entire streets. Over 50 families have been displaced, and each rainfall sends fresh waves of panic across the community.
Residents say the erosion grows hungrier every day, creeping closer to Warake Road, the main route connecting Auchi to neighboring communities. If this road collapses—as many fear it will—Auchi will be cut off, isolated from food, emergency services, and safety.
And yet, there’s been no real action.
Despite billions of naira allocated to Edo State for ecological interventions over the years, the erosion site remains untouched. No drainage system. No retaining walls. Just raw, broken earth — and the broken spirits of a forgotten people.
Children now walk to school with fear in their hearts, while their parents silently pray the ground doesn’t give way beneath their feet. Businesses have shut down. Farmlands have washed away. Mothers stay up all night, listening to the rain and wondering: “Will tonight be the night we lose our home?”
This isn’t just erosion. This is slow-motion displacement—a humanitarian disaster unfolding before our eyes.
It’s even more painful to remember that this didn’t have to happen. Successive administrations—from Governor Adams Oshiomhole to Governor Godwin Obaseki—were aware. The community raised the alarm. Funds were available. But what did Auchi get? Neglect. Silence. Abandonment.
Now we are calling on the Federal Ministry of Environment and Governor Monday Okpebholo to act with urgency. This gully is no longer a local problem—it is a ticking time bomb.
If Warake Road collapses, thousands will be stranded. If the schools fall into the ravine, children will die. If nothing is done, we’ll have another national tragedy on our hands—and this one can still be prevented.
Dear leaders, Auchi is crying for help. Listen now. Act now.
Save lives. Save homes. Save Auchi.
