Flood Submerges Homes, Disrupts Traffic on Awka–Onitsha Highway in Ogidi, Anambra State
By Tochukwu Iruado Moses | Vincent Ujumadu
E-ISSN:2354-4481
Heavy flooding triggered by intense rainfall on Monday morning has submerged several homes and disrupted movement along parts of the Awka–Onitsha old road in Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The downpour left large portions of the busy corridor underwater, with floodwaters cutting off sections of the highway and forcing motorists to seek alternative routes through neighbouring communities.
As traffic was diverted through nearby villages, reports indicated that some local youths mounted informal toll points, requiring drivers to make payments before being allowed passage through the alternative routes.
In response to the worsening situation, youths of Ogidi staged a peaceful protest along the flooded highway, calling on both the Federal Government and the Anambra State Government to urgently intervene and address the recurring flooding in the area.
The protest was led by the President of Ogidi Youths, Mr. Chris Obi Okafor, who appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo to take immediate action to mitigate the humanitarian and economic impact of the flooding.
Speaking during the protest, Okafor described the situation as a recurring disaster that has severely affected livelihoods, particularly during the rainy season.
He lamented that farmlands, economic trees, and other sources of income have been destroyed, while business activities in the area continue to suffer significant disruption due to persistent flooding.
According to him, “Every rainfall in our community has become a nightmare. What should ordinarily be a blessing has turned into a season of fear, destruction, and hardship.”
He further noted that the impact of the flooding extends to education, as many children are unable to attend school whenever the area is submerged, raising concerns about long-term consequences for the community’s future.
Okafor appealed for urgent government intervention, stressing that the situation has reached a critical level and requires immediate attention from both federal and state authorities, as well as relevant emergency and works agencies.
He emphasized that the issue should be treated as a humanitarian concern rather than a political matter, warning that continued neglect could worsen the suffering of residents.
The traditional ruler of Ogidi, Igwe Alexander Onyido, also addressed the protesters, urging them to remain peaceful and avoid actions that could escalate tensions in the community.
He commended the youths for their orderly conduct and assured them that he would lead a delegation to engage Governor Soludo on the flooding challenges facing the area.
The monarch recalled that the governor had previously made commitments to address erosion and flooding in the community, expressing concern over the delay in implementing lasting solutions.
