{
  "id": 14257482,
  "title": "Senate urges Nigerian govt to release ecological fund for Cross River erosion crisis",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/senate-urges-nigerian-govt-to-release-ecological-fund-for-cross-river",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-13T17:25:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/10/13/senate-urges-nigerian-govt-to-release-ecological-fund-for-cross-river-erosion-crisis/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Senate has called on the Nigerian government to swiftly release funds from the Ecological Fund to address the severe erosion and landslides plaguing Cross River South Senatorial District. This urgent call came after Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South, moved a motion of national importance highlighting the ecological emergency impacting Calabar metropolis and surrounding communities. The affected areas include Atakpa, Edim Otop, Ikot Effangha Mkpa, Nyaghasang, Ikot Anwatim, Nasarawa/Bacoco, Akai Effa, Bayside, and Summit Hills. Ekpenyong detailed the devastating consequences, including fatalities, displacement, property destruction, and trauma for affected families. He recalled a tragic landslide in July 2026 at Ikot Anwatim that claimed five lives, including four siblings, destroyed two homes, and injured two residents. Another landslide in Edim Otop took the life of an eight-year-old girl. The senator blamed the disasters on inadequate drainage systems, rapid urbanization, blocked drains, improper waste disposal, unauthorized sand mining, deforestation, and poor land-use practices. He cautioned that without coordinated watershed planning, remedial efforts could shift erosion risks to neighboring regions. Urgent federal intervention is crucial, including the release of Ecological Fund resources, temporary shelter, food, medical care, psychosocial support, and safe evacuation for those in imminent danger. The Senate also urged the Federal Ministry of Environment, working with the Cross River State Government and relevant agencies, to evaluate dangerous sites and commence emergency protective measures. Additionally, the Senate directed the National Emergency Management Agency, State Emergency Management Agency, and local councils to assist bereaved and displaced families, advocate for early-warning systems, and monitor unstable sites for timely evacuations. Furthermore, the Senate urged the Ministries of Environment and Works to prioritize erosion-control projects in Cross River State, backed by thorough geotechnical and hydrological assessments.",
  "summary": "The Senate on Tuesday urged the Federal Government to urgently release funds from the Ecological Fund to tackle gully erosion and landslides threatening communities in Cross River South Senatorial District. The resolution followed a motion of urgent national importance moved by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South) on the ecological emergency affecting Calabar metropolis and […] Senate…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "Senate seeks emergency funds to combat Cross River erosion",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/senate-seeks-emergency-funds-to-combat-cross-river-erosion",
        "published": "2026-10-13T16:44:06.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}