Residents of Ogidi in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State have appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to urgently intervene in the worsening flooding and security challenges along Vinas Road and adjoining communities.
The Okeluche Landlord Association made the appeal during an inspection of areas affected by flooding, particularly the road linking the community to the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway and neighbouring areas.
The association’s Chairman, Nzekwesili Michael, said residents had continued to suffer severe flooding whenever it rains, with the road reportedly becoming impassable for hours.
He alleged that several residents had lost their lives in flood-related incidents, recounting the death of a landlord association member, Hyginus Odike, who was reportedly swept away by floodwater and whose remains were recovered days later near the Nkisi River.
Michael said residents had spent millions of naira on sand, stones, cement and drainage works in an attempt to maintain the road, but the interventions were repeatedly destroyed by flooding.
“We are tired of putting money on this road yet to no avail. Let our governor remember us and come to our rescue,” he pleaded.
The Chairman of the Vinas Road Committee, High Chief Mmaduakonam Daniel Mgbako, claimed that residents had collectively spent more than ₦25 million attempting to address the condition of the road.
He said the flooding had also affected schools and businesses in the area, while residents continued to face serious risks whenever heavy rainfall occurs.
The residents further raised concerns over alleged criminal activities along the road, including kidnapping and motorcycle theft, which they said were worsened by the poor condition and flooding of the area.
The community’s Public Relations Officer and Chief Security Officer, Chief Apeh Chukwunonso, said residents had installed streetlights and security monitors in an effort to improve safety but called for government intervention.
He also recounted an incident in which the community chairman allegedly lost control of his vehicle while attempting to escape an attack and ended up in a drainage channel.
Residents and commuters who spoke during the inspection described the road as a major threat to lives, businesses and property.
A tenant, Mrs Gift Ifeme, said residents were considering leaving the area because of the persistent flooding.
Another resident, Iloh Sabastine, said commuters were sometimes trapped on the road until late at night waiting for floodwaters to recede, adding that frequent damage to vehicles had imposed additional financial burdens on residents.
The community is therefore calling on the Anambra State Government to urgently rehabilitate Vinas Road, improve drainage infrastructure and strengthen security, warning that continued inaction could result in further loss of lives and property.
