Riban Garmu Community seeks urgent Govt intervention over erosion and desertification

By Ibrahim Musa Kirfi

Residents of Ribangarmu Community in Dewu Ward, Kirfi Local Government Area of Bauchi State, have called on relevant government agencies and environmental organisations to urgently address growing environmental threats endangering their homes, farmlands and livelihoods.

The residents identified desertification, soil erosion and uncontrolled rainwater runoff as major challenges affecting the community, warning that failure to intervene could lead to further environmental degradation and threaten the safety and economic well-being of the people.

They appealed to the Bauchi State Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), the Federal Ministry of Environment, non-governmental organisations and other development partners to support efforts to tackle the situation.

The community called for an urgent environmental assessment of the affected areas, alongside the introduction of effective erosion-control measures, proper management of rainwater runoff and land restoration initiatives.

They also appealed for technical expertise, materials and financial support to enable the implementation of sustainable environmental protection measures capable of safeguarding homes, agricultural land and other community assets.

The residents further urged relevant authorities and development partners to visit Ribangarmu to assess the extent of the damage and develop practical, long-term solutions to the environmental challenges.

They stressed that timely intervention was necessary to prevent further degradation, protect agricultural activities and preserve the livelihoods of residents who depend largely on their land for survival.

The community also called on members of the public to amplify the appeal by sharing it widely to attract the attention of the appropriate authorities and accelerate the delivery of assistance.