Senate Demands Emergency Funds for Erosion Crisis in Cross River

On October 13, the Senate called on the Federal Government to release emergency funds from the Ecological Fund to combat severe gully erosion and landslides in Cross River South. This request followed a motion sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, highlighting the environmental crisis affecting Calabar and surrounding communities.

The Senate identified several locations, including Atakpa, Edim Otop, and Ikot Anwatim, where erosion has led to multiple deaths, including a landslide in July 2026 that killed five individuals, and another incident that resulted in the death of an eight-year-old girl. The Senate expressed that the ongoing erosion and landslides pose significant risks to lives and property, attributing the crisis to environmental conditions and poor infrastructure.

They urged the Federal Government to allocate adequate funds for emergency stabilization and comprehensive erosion control, prioritizing areas with immediate risks. The Senate also called for collaboration between various government agencies to assess dangerous sites and initiate protective measures.