Greater Awgu communities demand emergency intervention as erosion cuts off Oji River–Awgu federal road

The residents of Greater Awgu zone in Enugu State have called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on the Oji River–Awgu Federal Road, following the collapse of a section of the road between Egwu-Achi in Oji River Local Government Area and Obeagu in Awgu Local Government Area.

The road, which serves as the only federal highway connecting Awgu, Aninri and Oji River local government areas, was reportedly cut off by severe gully erosion triggered by heavy rainfall that began on May 29, 2026, and continued into the early hours of Saturday.

The collapse has brought economic and social activities across the zone to a standstill, disrupting trade, transportation and interaction among communities that have long depended on the route for commerce and movement.

The residents described the development as a major economic setback, noting that the road is a critical link between communities in Awgu, Oji River, parts of Abia, Ebonyi and other South-South states, especially for travelers and traders coming from Onitsha.

Although no lives were lost in the incident, stakeholders attributed the development to the fact that the collapse occurred during a period of reduced traffic. However, they warned that the situation has created serious hardship for thousands of commuters, traders and farmers.

With the road now impassable, residents are forced to take alternative routes through Enugu, Udi and Ozalla Junction along the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway. The alternative takes more than 100 kilometers to journeys that previously took less than 30 minutes, resulting in increased transportation costs and travel time.

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Market activities between Oji River and Awgu have also been severely affected, as farmers and traders can no longer transport their goods easily to local markets. Commercial transport operators have largely abandoned the route, leaving many residents dependent on motorcycles, commonly known as “Okada,” for movement.

Community leaders lamented that prior to the collapse, several reports had highlighted the existence of a deep and expanding gully that posed a significant threat to motorists and residents. They alleged that despite repeated warnings, no meaningful intervention was undertaken by the Federal Government to address the deteriorating condition of the road.

According to the residents, the poor state of the road had already reduced vehicular traffic and hindered economic growth within the Greater Awgu axis before the eventual collapse.

The communities are now appealing to the Federal Government, the Minister of Works and elected representatives from the area at both the state and federal levels to urgently intervene and commence reconstruction of the damaged section.

Some residents also alleged that a self-help initiative proposed by concerned citizens to repair the erosion site was halted by government authorities, who reportedly assured them that official intervention would be carried out.

Speaking on the matter, Ugo Omere, one of the coordinators of the community-based intervention efforts, said that the volunteers had mobilized resources through voluntary contributions to stabilize the affected area and prevent further damage.

“We were compelled to suspend our intervention after government authorities promised immediate action. Unfortunately, the expected intervention never came, and the subsequent rains completely washed away the road,” he said.

Meanwhile, Anayo Onwuegbu, member representing Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has appealed to the Federal Ministry of Works to commence immediate reconstruction of the damaged portions of the road.

During an inspection visit to the erosion site, Onwuegbu stressed the importance of restoring the road to reconnect affected communities and revive economic and commercial activities within the area.

Emesim Smart Bobby, Federal Controller of Works in Enugu State, who accompanied the lawmaker on the visit, disclosed that the drainage system was not included in the original contract awarded for the construction of the road, a factor that may have contributed to the erosion problem.

Also speaking, Greg Anyaegbudike and Uche Okolo, the chairmen of Oji River and Awgu Local Government Areas, respectively, commended Onwuegbu for conducting an on-the-spot assessment of the situation. They urged him to use his office to facilitate urgent federal approval for reconstruction work.

The affected communities maintain that only immediate government intervention can restore access, revive economic activities and prevent further devastation in the region.