…Seeks Federal,State Intervention for Victims
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Member representing Aninri/Awgu/Oji-River Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Engr. Anayo Onwuegbu, has expressed deep concern over a devastating windstorm that struck several communities in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State, leaving behind widespread destruction of homes, public infrastructure, and livelihoods.
The lawmaker has consequently ordered an immediate and comprehensive assessment of the affected areas to determine the full extent of the damage and guide urgent intervention efforts.
Hon. Onwuegbu, who was initially in the area on a scheduled condolence visit to Oduma and Mpu communities, made an unscheduled stop at the disaster-hit locations after witnessing the severity of the destruction firsthand.
What began as a solemn visit quickly transformed into an on-the-spot inspection of what he described as a humanitarian and infrastructural emergency affecting multiple communities.
The windstorm affected several areas, including Ezinesi, Ukete, Amaeke, Mmavu and Achara in Oduma, as well as Amachalla Mpu. Critical infrastructure was not spared, as the Special Science School Examination Hall at Ezinesi Oduma and Nzerem Primary School in Amachalla Mpu were also severely damaged.
Speaking during the visit, Onwuegbu lamented the extent of destruction, describing it as unprecedented and deeply distressing.
“I am deeply saddened by what I have seen here today. The level of destruction is not only heartbreaking but completely unimaginable. Entire communities have been torn apart by this windstorm, with homes, schools and sources of livelihood badly affected. This is clearly beyond what any community should be left to handle on its own,” he said.
The lawmaker, however, expressed gratitude that no lives were lost in the incident, while extending sympathy to affected residents and families whose properties were destroyed.
He immediately directed that a full and detailed assessment of all impacted communities be carried out without delay, stressing the need for accurate on-ground data to drive effective response.
“This is not something we will delay. Every impacted community in Aninri must be properly documented, and we will also extend this verification to reported cases in Oji-River. The aim is to ensure that we have accurate, on-ground data that will guide swift and effective intervention,” he stated.
Onwuegbu further noted that the outcome of the assessment would form the basis for urgent legislative action at the National Assembly aimed at securing relief materials and federal support for affected victims.
“The report from this assessment will not just sit on a table. It will guide my engagement at the National Assembly, where I intend to push for immediate relief measures and necessary support for the victims. This situation requires urgent attention, and I am committed to ensuring that the needed intervention is secured without delay,” he added.
He also emphasized the importance of collaboration between federal and state authorities in addressing the disaster, stressing that coordinated efforts would ensure faster and more effective humanitarian response.
“This is not a time for isolated actions. I am fully ready to complement the efforts of the Enugu State Government because disasters of this magnitude require coordinated responses. When federal and state authorities work together, we can deliver faster and more effective relief to our people,” he noted.
Beyond immediate response measures, Onwuegbu called on communities and local authorities to adopt proactive environmental strategies, including the planting of suitable trees as natural windbreaks to reduce the impact of future windstorms.
“We must also begin to think beyond immediate relief and look at preventive measures. I strongly encourage our people and local authorities to embrace the strategic planting of suitable trees that can serve as natural windbreaks. This is a practical step that can help reduce the impact of such disasters in the future,” he said.
The lawmaker reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that all affected communities receive the necessary attention and support for recovery.