A major road linking Umuenyere Alayi with Item communities in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State has collapsed, leaving villagers and travellers stranded and at risk of plunging into a deep gully created by erosion.
Residents say the gully, which began as a minor erosion site, suddenly worsened last week, cutting off access and exposing road users to severe danger. In response, locals placed green leaves around the collapsed section of the Alayi–Item Road as a warning sign to approaching vehicles.
Community members from Alayi, Item and nearby areas have appealed to the Abia State Government to urgently repair the road and implement erosion control measures to prevent future disasters.
Government Reacts
On Monday, the Chairman of Bende LGA, Uwabunkeonye Bassey, visited the site to sympathise with residents and reassure them of swift government intervention.
He promised that a temporary access road would be created to ease movement while the collapsed section receives immediate attention.
“The state government and the Bende council will not delay in addressing this situation,” Bassey said.
Growing Fear in the Community
For villagers and transporters who rely on the Alayi–Item road, the collapse has disrupted daily activities and heightened fears of accidents. Many say the erosion disaster highlights the urgent need for long-term solutions to Abia’s worsening gully erosion crisis.
Until government intervention begins, residents remain on edge, relying on makeshift safety warnings to protect lives on one of the area’s most vital link roads.
