By Charles Chijioke
Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Victor Umeh, has called on the Federal Government to declare the Idemili Basin in Anambra State an environmental disaster zone following the worsening erosion and flooding threatening communities in the area.
Umeh made the call after carrying out an on-the-spot assessment of the erosion menace in parts of Idemili North Local Government Area, particularly Obosi and Ogidi communities. The senator inspected affected areas in Obosi, where residents reportedly expressed fears over the destruction of roads, farmlands, houses and other properties.
Afrilensnews reports that the senator’s visit followed growing concerns over the scale of the erosion disaster, particularly at Ugamuma in Obosi, where several homes are reportedly at risk of being swallowed by the expanding gully. During the visit, grieving residents appealed for urgent government intervention to prevent further destruction and possible loss of lives.
Umeh described the situation as a terrifying landslide and natural disaster requiring urgent intervention from the Federal Government to protect lives and property and prevent the community from being overwhelmed by the menace.
He specifically urged the Federal Government to declare the Idemili Basin an Environmental Disaster Zone, citing the recurring flooding and erosion affecting the area.
The senator also acknowledged the efforts of Hon. Eric Anyamene, the NDC House of Representatives candidate for Idemili North and South Federal Constituency, who reportedly drew his attention to the development and had personally tarred an affected road while deploying personal resources toward temporary measures to contain the spread of the erosion.
Umeh said he would bring the situation before the Nigerian Senate through legislative action when the lawmakers resume from recess. He also promised to engage relevant government agencies in efforts to secure emergency assistance and pursue a permanent solution to the recurring erosion and flooding.
The senator was received in Obosi by Anyamene, traditional and community leaders, including representatives of the traditional ruler of Obosi, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, President General of Obosi, Barrister Chimezie Obi, and other community stakeholders.
Community representatives thanked Umeh for responding to their concerns and for visiting the affected areas. They also highlighted his interventions and projects within Anambra Central Senatorial District.
The latest development has renewed concerns over the long-running erosion challenge in Anambra, where expanding gullies and flooding continue to threaten roads, homes, farms and other community infrastructure.
If urgent intervention is not secured, further erosion could lead to additional destruction of property, displacement of residents and disruption of transportation and economic activities in affected communities. The senator’s call now puts pressure on relevant federal agencies to assess the situation and determine the scale of emergency and long-term intervention required.
