Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi has ordered the demolition of 65 houses in Ogwuma, Afikpo South Local Government Area, following a landslide in the area in July.
Umahi issued the directive while speaking to the residents of the area on Saturday, noting that the affected residents would be relocated immediately.
To save lives and stop additional landslides, he claimed that resettlement was necessary.
Umahi said: “there is nothing else we can do to save the lives of our people as the affected inhabitants would be supported within the limits of our resources.
“We need a small estate to resettle them but also to be our brothers’ keepers in accommodating those affected.
“Landslide is very dangerous as it gulps a lot of money to remedy.’’
Umahi also said that work on the affected area would begin on August 15.
He said, “This is because their continued stay within the affected area will put their lives at risk and cause more slides.’’
Umahi also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his immediate approval of the Federal Government’s intervention and appealed for understanding from residents of the area.
NAN reports that the landslides have been devastating the community since 2004.
The landslide, which occurred at the retaining wall of the Ogwuma community, blocked access to neighbouring communities and a section of the road leading to Ohafia in Abia.