Anambra Senator Seeks Emergency Declaration For Idemili North, South As Erosion Threatens Homes, Schools In Anambra

The Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Chief Victor Umeh, has called for emergency intervention to contain a worsening gully erosion crisis threatening lives, homes, schools and critical infrastructure in Idemili North and Idemili South Local Government Areas.

Umeh made the call on Saturday during an inspection of a major gully erosion site at Ugama, Obosi, where recent heavy rainfall caused extensive land degradation, damaged access roads and put residential buildings, schools and farmlands at risk.

The Senator urged the Federal Government to declare the two LGAs an erosion disaster zone.

“The erosion menace in Idemili North and South has reached a critical stage. It is one of the most erosion-prone areas in Nigeria, affecting communities such as Obosi, Nkpor, Ogidi, Umuoji and others. The Federal Government must treat it as a national environmental emergency,” he said.

Umeh warned that continued rainfall could worsen the destruction if immediate action is not taken, adding that more homes, schools, roads and public facilities remain at risk.

According to him, previous erosion-control efforts failed because of the fragile nature of the soil and inadequate drainage systems in the affected areas.

He called for a comprehensive engineering solution backed by the Federal Government, including integrated drainage infrastructure and effective channelisation of floodwater into the *Idemili River.

“The challenge goes beyond temporary measures. What is required is a comprehensive engineering solution backed by the Federal Government,” Umeh stressed.

The lawmaker said he would immediately write to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Environment to seek emergency intervention rather than wait for the National Assembly to resume from recess.

He also disclosed plans to sponsor a motion on the floor of the Senate to secure federal support for the affected communities.

Umeh’s visit followed an appeal by Engr. Eric Anyamene, the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC candidate for Idemili North and South Federal Constituency, whose residence is among properties threatened by the advancing gully.

Anyamene said he had committed about ₦40 million to emergency palliative works after the erosion expanded beyond the community’s capacity.

He blamed the worsening situation on stormwater flowing in from Ogidi, Umuoji and parts of Obosi, and expressed concern that another heavy rainfall could trigger further devastation.

Anyamene commended Governor Charles Soludo for directing the Commissioner for Works and relevant LGA officials to inspect the area.

Engr. Mezie Andrew, supervising the emergency intervention, said the temporary work would take between 2 and 3 weeks to complete, but noted that only a comprehensive government-backed project could provide a lasting solution.

Traditional rulers, community leaders, school authorities and residents also appealed for urgent intervention.

Representing the traditional ruler of Obosi, Igwe Chidubem Iweka III, Dr. Okey Mgbemena called for swift action to prevent further destruction.

Chikezie Obi, President of the Obosi Development Union, described the rainfall that triggered the latest gully expansion as unprecedented, noting that several communities in Obosi are now affected.

Officials of Union Secondary School, Obosi, said the expanding gully has already disrupted access to the school, while residents warned that more homes and farmlands could be lost without urgent government intervention.

The appeal comes amid growing concerns over gully erosion across southeastern Nigeria, where fragile soil, poor drainage and increasingly intense rainfall continue to threaten communities, livelihoods and public infrastructure.