<P> With high population density and over farming, the soil has been degraded and much of the native vegetation has disappeared . </P> <P> This deforestation has triggered soil erosion which is compounded by heavy seasonal rainfall that has led to the destruction of houses and roads . </P> <P> Imo State came into existence in 1976 along with other new states created under the leadership of the late military ruler of Nigeria, Murtala Muhammad, having been previously part of East - Central State . The state is named after the Imo River . Part of it was split off in 1991 as Abia State, and another part became Ebonyi State . </P> <P> Imo state was created at Ngwoma and the meetings for the state creation which began after the Nigerian Civil War ended in 1970 were chaired by Chief S.E. Onukogu . </P>

List the 27 local government in imo state