ACReSAL Warns Against Encroachment on Reclaimed Gully Erosion Sites in Gombe

Gombe, Nigeria 🇳🇬 June 25, 2026

The Gombe State Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project has warned residents against encroaching on lands reclaimed through its gully erosion control interventions, describing such actions as a threat to ongoing efforts aimed at protecting communities from environmental degradation and disaster risks.

The warning was issued by the State Project Coordinator, Dr. Sani Adamu Jauro, following reports of alleged encroachment and illegal sale of portions of land restored under the Federal College of Education (FCE) and GGC Doma gully erosion control projects in Gombe.

Dr. Jauro explained that the reclaimed areas were restored as community assets to address severe erosion challenges, improve environmental sustainability, and safeguard lives and property. He stressed that any unauthorized construction or activity within the protected corridors could undermine the effectiveness of the erosion control structures and reverse the gains already achieved.

According to him, building on reclaimed lands poses significant environmental risks, including obstruction of stormwater drainage channels, increased flooding, and renewed erosion, all of which could endanger nearby communities and infrastructure.

He disclosed that the project has intensified public sensitization campaigns and erected warning signs around the affected corridors to discourage encroachment and educate residents on the importance of preserving the restored sites.

The Project Coordinator called on residents, especially those living around the gully corridors, to support the environmental protection initiatives of the Gombe State Government by safeguarding the reclaimed areas and adhering to sustainable land-use practices.

Dr. Jauro also urged traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to collaborate with government authorities in preventing illegal occupation and sale of the lands. He noted that the reclaimed sites were designed as long-term solutions to erosion challenges and critical investments in the safety and resilience of affected communities.

Reaffirming the project's commitment to environmental sustainability, Dr. Jauro warned that any actions capable of jeopardizing the success of the intervention would not be tolerated.

The ACReSAL Project, supported by the Gombe State Government, continues to implement climate-resilient and environmental restoration initiatives aimed at protecting critical infrastructure, restoring degraded landscapes, and enhancing the wellbeing of communities across the state.