By Jane Daniels
Date: September 22, 2026
The Enugu State House of Assembly has urged immediate intervention over a landslide that has disconnected two communities in Awgu Local Government Area.
The lawmakers made the demand on Monday, calling on the Enugu State Government, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Ecological Fund to urgently rehabilitate the damaged road, restore access and assist affected residents.
The landslide occurred at Ugwueme and Nenwenta communities on September 18 following torrential rainfall that destroyed the road linking the communities to other parts of Enugu State.
The incident left residents stranded, forcing them to pass through neighbouring Abia and Imo states to access other parts of Enugu State.
The member representing Awgu South State Constituency, Mr Anthony Nwankwo, moved a motion of urgent public importance over the situation.
Nwankwo said a family of four died after a water tank collapsed on their residence, leaving only a four-year-old child who was later rescued.
He said the victims could have been rescued alive, but the lack of access to the affected communities made rescue operations extremely difficult.
Members representing Ezeagu, Nkanu East and Oji River constituencies, Mr Chima Obieze, Mr Okey Mba and Mr Osita Eze, described the incident as a natural disaster.
They cautioned residents against constructing buildings near hills or engaging in reckless excavation of soil and stones, noting that such activities could trigger landslides.
Assembly Confirms Civil Service Commission Nominees
The House also screened and confirmed Prof. Gabriel Ajah as chairman and five other members of the Enugu State Civil Service Commission.
Other confirmed members are Christian Mbah, Member 1; Mrs Stella Ekweremadu, Member 2; Mrs Emmanuela Ogarabe, Member 3; and Mrs Theresa Onyefuzili, Member 4.
The nominees were found qualified based on their curricula vitae and professional experience and were subsequently asked to take a bow.
Speaking on behalf of the nominees, Ajah pledged to make punctuality a priority at the commission.
He had served the Enugu State Government in several capacities, including 19 years as Permanent Secretary, 14 years as Dean of Permanent Secretaries, Secretary to the State Government and Chairman of ENSUBEB.
