Diamond Hill Residents Seek Spiritual, Govt Intervention Over Rain-Related Disasters
By Regina Ashibe
Residents of Diamond Hill Community in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, have called for urgent spiritual and government intervention over a series of rainfall-related disasters, including landslides, flooding and erosion, which they say have continued to threaten homes, properties and livelihoods in the area. Some residents have attributed the recurring disasters to “Anansa,” an Efik water goddess, allegedly demanding a traditional sacrifice to appease her and halt the destruction.
Speaking on the development, a resident, Mr. Emmanuel Mbuk, attributed the persistent environmental devastation to what he described as the displeasure of the water goddess, calling for appropriate spiritual intervention to appease her and bring an end to the disasters. He said the situation had continued to generate anxiety among residents, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
Mbuk’s position reflects a traditional interpretation of the recurring environmental disasters, while residents’ immediate concerns also centre on the need for urgent physical and environmental intervention. THE BEAGLE NEWS gathered that the heavy rains have contributed to landslides, flooding and erosion in parts of the state capital, resulting in damage to property and household items and raising concerns about the safety of residents.
Mbuk further alleged that Governor Bassey Edet Otu had previously responded to suggestions that traditional sacrifices should be undertaken to address the situation, reportedly stating that as a ‘Man of God,’ he would not support the ungodly and primitive means of resolving the problem.
The residents, however, appealed to traditional and spiritual authorities to explore non-violent and culturally acceptable means of ritual appeasement, while simultaneously urging the government to intensify efforts towards addressing the environmental challenges associated with heavy rainfall.
Another resident, Mr. Etete Sunday, called on the state government and relevant environmental and emergency management agencies to urgently assess the affected areas, identify the factors contributing to the flooding, erosion and landslides, and deploy appropriate measures to mitigate further damage.
Sunday stressed that the situation required immediate and sustained attention, particularly as the rainy season continues, noting that residents should not be left to face the growing environmental risks alone. He appealed for stronger government presence and intervention to protect lives and property and reduce the risk of further displacement.
While some residents have linked the recurring disasters to traditional spiritual beliefs, the community also requires scientific, hydrological, geological and environmental assessments to establish the physical factors responsible for the flooding, erosion and landslides and determine appropriate mitigation measures.
The residents therefore appealed for a coordinated response involving the government, environmental experts, emergency management agencies, traditional and community leaders, expressing hope that timely government action, improved environmental management and peaceful spiritual considerations would help protect Diamond Hill from further rainfall-related disasters.
Regina Ashibe is on an Industrial Attachment with THE BEAGLE NEWS.
