The Nigerian House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to take immediate action to address the severe flooding and erosion crisis affecting communities in Bende Federal Constituency, Abia State. The crisis has caused widespread destruction, displacing residents and threatening livelihoods and food security. The House expressed concern over the increasing destruction caused by torrential rainfall and erosion in several communities.
The motion, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Hon. Benjamin Kalu and presented by Hon. Daniel Amos, was passed during a plenary session. The House noted that the disaster has destroyed homes, farmlands, roads, and infrastructure, with severe impacts in Ugwueke, Amaokai, Amaeze, and Ezeukwu. Floodwaters have submerged residential properties, farmlands, and access routes, affecting several communities, including the palaces of Eze Ifeanyi Owo of Amaeze Community and Eze Gilbert Chukwu of Amaokai Community.
The situation is particularly dire in Ndi Uzor and Akunu villages, where two people have reportedly died due to the ecological crisis. The House emphasized that the recurring and worsening nature of the flooding and erosion demonstrates that affected communities need sustained government intervention. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), South East Development Commission (SEDC), and Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) were urged to provide immediate relief materials and humanitarian assistance.
The House also called on the Ecological Fund Office, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment and relevant agencies, to conduct a comprehensive technical assessment of erosion sites across affected communities. This assessment aims to identify the root causes of the crisis and inform effective solutions. Furthermore, the House urged the Federal Government to approve and fund comprehensive flood and erosion-control measures.
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security was urged to intervene in the agricultural losses suffered by farmers in Bende Federal Constituency, following the destruction of farmlands by flooding and erosion. The Ministry, along with the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), was also tasked with assessing and rehabilitating damaged roads and access routes.
The motion received majority support from lawmakers and was subsequently referred to the House Committees on NEMA, SEDC, NDDC, Ecological Fund Office, and Legislative Compliance for further action. The House observed a minute of silence in honor of those who lost their lives, particularly the two victims from Ndi Uzor.
The Bende erosion crisis highlights the need for effective disaster management and mitigation strategies in Nigeria. The Federal Government's response will be crucial in alleviating the suffering of affected communities and preventing future occurrences. The House's intervention demonstrates the government's commitment to addressing the crisis and providing support to those affected.
Key points
- - The Nigerian House of Representatives has called for urgent government intervention to address the severe flooding and erosion crisis in Abia State's Bende Federal Constituency. - The crisis has caused widespread destruction, displacing residents and threatening livelihoods and food security. - The House has urged relevant agencies to provide relief materials, emergency shelters, and humanitarian assistance to affected residents.
