By Peter Omopo
One lane at Ozubulu section collapses after heavy rainfall
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has warned motorists to exercise extreme caution while driving along the Onitsha–Owerri Road, following the collapse of a major section of the Ozubulu end in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State due to severe gully erosion.
According to reports, the erosion, which began near the Sea Horse section of the road several months ago, worsened after a torrential downpour on Tuesday, completely cutting off one lane and posing serious risks to motorists.
A viral video circulating on social media shows the extent of the damage, with residents urging drivers to slow down and avoid the area, particularly at night.
FRSC Issues Warning
In a statement issued on Saturday, Margaret Onabe, the Sector Public Education Officer of FRSC Anambra Command, said the warning was necessary to safeguard lives and prevent accidents.
She noted that officials of the Corps, alongside representatives from the Federal Ministry of Works, Ekwusigo Local Government Council, and Tamaic Construction Company, had visited the site to assess the situation and ensure the smooth flow of traffic.
“The Federal Road Safety Corps RS5.36 Oraifite Unit Command responded swiftly to a distress call regarding the worsening erosion site at Ozubulu,” Onabe said.
“Following directives from the Sector Commander, our team immediately alerted road users and key stakeholders to the danger.”
She added that barricades were being repositioned by the construction company to prevent further accidents, while traffic control officers were deployed to guide motorists through the affected stretch.
The Federal Comptroller of Works, Dr. Emeka Okpara, also conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the erosion site with his field team, pledging federal support to address the challenge.
Soludo Reaffirms Commitment to Erosion Control
Meanwhile, Governor Chukwuma Soludo has reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling erosion and flooding across Anambra State.
Speaking on Thursday, Soludo acknowledged that erosion remained one of the state’s gravest environmental threats, particularly in flood-prone areas like Ogidi, Nanka, and Ozubulu.
He emphasized the need for sustainable drainage and erosion control systems to protect farmlands, homes, and public infrastructure.
“Our goal is to implement long-term, practical solutions,” the governor said, noting that the state was working with the Federal Government and development partners to scale up erosion control projects statewide.
Call for Caution
The FRSC urged all motorists to remain vigilant and obey safety directives when approaching the Ozubulu section of the Onitsha–Owerri Road.
“We appeal to the motoring public to cooperate with safety officers and follow the guidelines provided,” Onabe said. “Caution and patience are essential for everyone’s safety until the damaged lane is fully restored.”
The Corps reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring the situation and ensuring that temporary safety measures remain in place while a permanent engineering solution is pursued.
