BY SAM DUVWODE
One of the major concrete landing jetties in Akugbene Community, Bomadi Local Government Area, has collapsed following a heavy downpour that triggered a landslide in the riverine community.
The incident swept away the concrete jetty located at the Akpanaka Quarter along with several meters of shoreline, sparking panic among residents.
The jetty used to serve as a vital landing bay, facilitating the movement of residents and visitors using speedboats and canoes.
Reacting to the development, a resident of the community, Chief John Singabele said the sudden collapse of the jetty caused widespread fear, with many residents mistaking the tremors for an earthquake and fleeing for safety.
He called on relevant government agencies to promptly visit the community and assess the extent of the damage.
Chief Singabele emphasized the urgent need for the construction of a shoreline protection wall to prevent further erosion and to protect the community from total submergence.
Other residents also appealed for swift intervention in reconstructing the collapsed jetty and implementing coastal defence measures, warning that the community risks being completely washed away by the rising river current.
