Flooding: Anambra assembly summons commissioners, others
June 24, 2026 6:42 am
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo
The Anambra State House of Assembly has summoned key government officials and commissioners to appear before it to discuss measures aimed at managing and preventing flood disasters across the state.
This is just as many houses, markets, business premises and farmlands located in flood-prone communities of the state have been submerged by flood following persistent rainfall, resulting in rising water levels from the River Niger.
The heavy flooding has left a trail of destruction at flood-prone communities in Ogbaru, Idemili North and Oyi LGAs where houses and markets such as Relief Market, Ochanja Market, Building Materials Market Ogidi, and parts of Onitsha, were among the worst-hit areas.
Some videos circulating online indicated that two persons were currently missing and feared drowned at the Building Materials Market, while the force of the raging flood had swept away some fences and left roads badly damaged.
Our correspondent, who visited the affected communities, on Tuesday, gathered that the development has left many families stranded and seeking refuge in the upland areas, while residents called for government intervention as the flooding has once again crippled the communities, unleashing a devastating blow to their economic and social structures.
In one of the videos, a resident in Ogidi, who identified herself simply as Chinyere, said, “I am a poultry farmer. The flood has swept away most of my birds. I had waited to relocate them, but the flood came suddenly. It has ruined my hopes and wasted my labour.
“I don’t know where to start. I borrowed money at a high interest rate to invest in large-scale poultry farming this year.”
Videos and pictures circulating on social media also showed motorists and residents, including women and children, wading through the waters, with submerged streets, roads, cars and houses.
However, following the development, the state Assembly reached a resolution to invite the commissioners and relevant officials during Tuesday’s plenary.
The lawmakers expressed concerns over the increasing dangers and devastating effects of flooding in different parts of the state.
Those the Assembly resolved to invite include the Commissioner for Environment, Dr Clem Aguiyi; the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Chijioke Ojukwu; and the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Okey Ezeobi.
They are to appear before the Assembly on Thursday, June 25, 2026, by 2pm.
Moving the motion of urgent public importance, the Minority Leader and member representing Nnewi South Constituency II, Johnbosco Akaegbobi, lamented the destructive impact of flooding on lives and property.
Akaegbobi said, “Several residents have continued to suffer losses due to blocked drainages and poor environmental practices.
“Some recent incidents circulating on social media in which floodwaters swept away a Toyota Venza vehicle, is a clear indication of the intensity and danger posed by flooding in the state.”
In his contribution, the Majority Leader, Ikenna Ofodeme; Tony Muobike of Aguata Constituency II; Obi Nweke, representing Anambra East Constituency; and Emma Nwafor, representing Orumba South Constituency, noted that flood disasters have continued to damage houses, farmlands, roads, and other valuable property, especially in densely populated commercial cities such as Onitsha, Nnewi, and Awka, where indiscriminate dumping of refuse has blocked drainage channels.
The lawmakers also cited a case in which a tricycle rider was reportedly found dead in Onitsha following a flood incident.
They called for proper channelisation of flood waters and discharge points, intensified sensitisation on proper refuse disposal, and the construction of catchment points in homes, stressing that it is the constitutional responsibility of government to protect lives and property.
The Speaker, Somtochukwu Udeze, thanked the mover of the motion and noted that “the resolution would go a long way in addressing flooding challenges in the state”, emphasising that it is the duty of lawmakers to speak for Ndi Anambra.
Ikenna Obianeri is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over 10 years of experience in reporting and storytelling. He conducts incisive interviews, covers crime and environmental issues, and produces engaging feature stories tailored for digital audiences. Ikenna’s work reflects strong newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a commitment to impactful, audience-focused journalism
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