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[UPDATE] Borno Flood: One Million Persons Affected, 414,000 Displaced — NEMA

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…as death toll hits 30, victims sleep on streets

…NEMA opens nine IDP camps, Bayelsa flooded after downpour

 

A severe flood in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, has resulted in significant destruction and loss of life. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reports that: at least 30 people have lost their lives, approximately 414,000 individuals have been displaced.

The flood, described as the worst in 30 years by the United Nations Human Rights Refugee Council and Maiduguri Metropolitan Council residents, was triggered by the overflow of the Alau Dam following heavy rainfall.

NEMA spokesman Manzo Ezekiel confirmed the updated figures on Wednesday, highlighting the urgent need for relief efforts to support affected communities.

“It’s 30 people that have been recorded dead so far, around 414,000 people were displaced and are in nine IDP camps across the state,” Manzo said.

According to NEMA, more than 23,000 households have been hit by the rapid rise of waters following the weekend rupture of the Alau dam on the Ngadda River, 20km south of Maiduguri.

Reports indicate the water had receded as of Wednesday after 70 per cent of Maiduguri was submerged by the fast-moving waters, according to NEMA, which ravaged major city locations, including the palace of the Shehu of Borno, Umar Ibn Garbai El-Kanemi; the state secretariat, post office, cemetery, and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

The flood also washed away 80 per cent of animals at the Sanda Kyarimi Park zoo, and damaged houses, schools, as well as commercial and worship centres.

  • Federal Government Intervenes

President Bola Tinubu expressed deep concerns over the flooding and tasked relevant government agencies to expedite rescue efforts while Vice President Kashim Shettima arrived in the Borno capital Tuesday to conduct an on-the-ground assessment of the devastating floods.

Tinubu also called for the immediate evacuation of residents in communities overtaken by floods.

The Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, told journalists that a preliminary assessment conducted by the government showed that more than a third of Maiduguri was flooded, which affected an estimated one million people following the heavy flooding.

“The floods covered one-third of the city, affecting over one million people. It is very devastating,” Zulum said while distributing cash and food to thousands of displaced persons at a camp.

Zulu added that the Federal Government allocated N3bn for rehabilitation of the victims, adding that the funds would be used to provide food and other essential supplies, as well as support long-term strategies, including health monitoring to prevent disease outbreaks.

The governor also announced that cash distributions of N10,000 per household have been made to flood victims.

In addition, the state government organised search and rescue operations to assess casualties and gather data on those affected.

“We are distributing money and food to head of each of the families as a temporary measure to cushion the impact,” he said.

Luckily for us, we just received N3bn flood intervention fund from the Federal Government. So, we are using part of this fund to provide immediate support to the communities affected by the flood.

“We have separated them into different camps and already providing support. We will come up with long-term and short-term measures as soon as we take the data of the people affected.”

  • Officials Trail Inmates

Meanwhile, some of the inmates who escaped from the Maiduguri correctional facility after a portion of the facility’s perimeter fence was pulled down in the aftermath of the flood are yet to be recaptured.

The floodwaters ravaged the facility’s security, damaged barriers and weakened its structure, leading to the escape of the inmates.

The spokesperson for the Nigeria Correctional Service Borno Command, Bala Adamu, confirmed the jailbreak on Tuesday. He stated that following a manhunt for the escapees, three were recaptured.

“We are still assessing the number of inmates who escaped from the prison. As of now, we have recaptured three of the escapees,” Adamu said.

The Comptroller-General of Nigeria Correctional Service, Bashir Adewale, and Minister of Interior, Tunji Ojo, and other top officials were in Maiduguri on Wednesday.

While the delegation didn’t disclose the major purpose of their visit, an official told The PUNCH meetings were ongoing but declined comments on the runaway inmates.

However, a Nigeria Correctional Officer in Borno, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, said a manhunt had begun to recapture the escapees.

  • Victims Ordeal

Despite efforts by the FG and the state government to evacuate victims of flood to IDP camps, some victims slept on roads following the disaster.

The victims, comprising children and women around Al-ansar Mosque along the Polo Road, told our correspondent they preferred the roads than going to the IDP camp.

One of the flood victims, Hassana Shaibu, a mother of four children, said they slept under a tree close to the road on Wednesday because she got the news of the IDP camp late and could not locate the place.

“I got the news that people can go to the IDP camp at the late hour, and I couldn’t move around at night with my children. So, since this place is close to the mosque and there is light, me and my friend, who has two children, decided to pass the night here,” Shaibu said.

Another victim, Salisu Fatti, added, “I heard stories of how camps used to be. Its better I stay here that I am sure is safe. Hopefully, tomorrow (today) before evening, I will go back to Modugari, where my house is. There’s the possibility the water must have subside.

A Red Cross official Abass Mohammed narrated how a family of a resident of Custom area sailed through the flood to a flyover for safety.

The man, identified as Abacha, carried two of his children while his wife had a child as they all scampered through the raging flood to the bridge.

“He (Abacha) was sure that no matter how high the flood got, it won’t overflow the bridge. It’s obvious he had lost his property but grateful that none of his kids were swept by the flood,” Mohammed said.

It was gathered that the level of water had reduced drastically in some parts of the city, including Modugari, Custom, Kofar Shehu and Post Office, on Wednesday.

A resident of Modugari, Anas Plankat, said he observed that the water that previously occupied his compound has reduced.

In his words, “I went to my compound this morning (Wednesday), the water has reduced. It was previously at my chest level but now at my kneel level. With this, we hope that the flood will not last long,” a resident of Modugari, Anas Plankat, said.

Babagana Ngala, who lives in Custom area, said his family slept inside the Maiduguri Lake Chad Research Institute on Tuesday after the flood began. However, he is optimistic of returning home soon after news reached him that the water had reduced.

“Custom area took a different shape on Tuesday and we had to leave but when I called I was told the water is fast reducing in the area.”

  • Bayelsa Affected

Several neighbourhoods were submerged as rains continued from Tuesday to Wednesday in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

Cemetery, Azikoro, Ekeki, Okaka, Swali, Kpansia, Amarata and Ovom were some areas seriously affected by the floods.

The rains in Yenagoa contributed to the continued rise of the water levels in the adjoining Epie Creek and River Nun, indicating that the flood could be damaging.

The FG had warned of the danger posed by rising water levels. The Nigeria Meteorological Agency had predicted heavy rain and thunderstorms in many states between Wednesday and Friday.

The prediction came as NEMA and the military continued to battle the heavy flooding in Maiduguri.

In Bayelsa, a flood-prone state lying six feet below sea level, the situation was worsened by poor town planning, inadequate drainage, and construction on natural water courses, among other factors.

In some neighbourhoods such as Amarata and Ekeki, residents resorted to using buckets and basins to keep the water out of their homes, while some had their property destroyed.

Recounting his ordeal, an environmentalist, Alagoa Morris, said his home and offices were flooded.

A resident of Amarata, Nathan, said he returned home from work on Tuesday only to find his wife and seven-year-old son battling to bail water from their house.

“There was no place to sleep. The water forced everyone to seek refuge, but like the captain of the RMS Titanic, I refused to abandon the ship,” he said.

In another development, the Benue State Government raised the alarm about the invasion of snakes in some of the IDP camps across the state.

The Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, James Iorpuu, who raised the alarm during the distribution of relief materials to IDPs in the state on Wednesday, said 15 displaced persons had been treated in recent times.

“In recent months, Benue-SEMA has faced the tragic challenge of snake bites among our IDP populations. I am pleased to report that we have successfully treated over 15 cases across various camps, thanks to the swift action of our health teams and the support from our partners,” he said.

He added that to curtail the occurrence of snake bites in the camps, the agency had fumigated all the camps.

The SEMA boss stated that the World Bank would soon commence the construction of 50 units of shelter in Nyihemba in Kwande Local Government Area of the state, adding that the agency would soon begin IDP farm projects in Kwande, Logo and Gwer-West Local Government Areas.

Meanwhile, the Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris, has commiserated with his Borno State counterpart, Prof Babagana Zulum and the people of the state over the devastating flood in the state.

“It’s with sympathetic feeling that critical government institutions such as the Government House, Teaching Hospital, Shehu of Borno’s Palace, secretariat, schools and business centres were reported to have been affected,” Idris said in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Abdullahi Zuru, on Wednesday.

“Although we in Kebbi have experienced a similar unfortunate incident, we share your grief, and we are deeply pained by the natural disaster.”

Shettima on Wednesday said the FG was partnering with the 36 states of the federation to address the challenges of flood and other natural disasters.

This, he said, explained why President Tinubu approved the sum of N3bn for each state to tackle natural disasters such as flooding as well as other challenges.

Shettima stated this when he received Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, who paid him a commiseration visit at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communication, Mr. Stanley Nkwocha, disclosed this in a statement titled, “We will partner states in combating flood disaster – VP Shettima.”

“It is a national calamity that has befallen us, and it is a concomitant effect of the incestuous relationship among climate change, ecology and the economy,” the Vice President said.

“From Bayelsa to Sokoto, there is hardly any part of this nation that has not been affected by these flooding incidences,” he noted.

The VP, however, avowed that with the zeal and willingness demonstrated by the President, the challenge of flooding and other issues in the states would be addressed soon.

“The President has shown his zeal, willingness and commitment to partner with the states towards addressing these issues.

“Recently, he approved the release of N3bn to each state of the federation to address some of these challenges so that all parts of the federation should have buy-in and belonging.”

Earlier, Speaker Abbas commiserated with the President, the Vice President, the government and people of Borno State, assuring them that the National Assembly would provide support for the affected communities.

He said, “We in the National Assembly are looking all through to see what kind of support we will give to the people affected.

“We are very sorry for what happened. We share your pains; we share your concerns; we are together in this from the beginning to the end.”

 

Credit: The Punch

BIG STORY

Federal Government Lifts Ban On Mineral Exploration In Zamfara

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After more than five years of security restriction, the Federal Government has lifted the ban on mining exploration activities in Zamfara State, citing significant improvements in the security situation across the state.

Making the announcement during a press briefing at the weekend, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake stated that the nation has a lot to gain from reawakened economic activities in a highly mineralised state like Zamfara that is imbued with vast gold, Lithium, and copper belts. He noted that the previous ban, which was good intentioned, inadvertently created a vacuum exploited by illegal miners to fleece the nation of its resources. He emphasized that the state’s potential for contributing to national revenue is enormous.

It will be recalled that in 2019, the federal government imposed a total ban on mining activities in Zamfara State due to the escalating security concerns, particularly the links between banditry and illegal mining.

Since the beginning of the Tinubu administration, however, intelligence-driven, coordinated security operations have resulted in the neutralization of key bandit commanders, significantly reducing incidents of insecurity. A recent success was the capture of one of the most wanted bandit commanders, Halilu Sububu, in a covert operation in Zamfara.

“The existential threat to lives and properties that led to the 2019 ban has abated. The security operatives’ giant strides have led to a notable reduction in the level of insecurity, and with the ban on exploration lifted, Zamfara’s mining sector can gradually begin contributing to the nation’s revenue pool,” Alake asserted.

The minister added that the lifting of the ban would also facilitate better regulation of mining activities in the state. This will enable more effective intelligence gathering to combat illegal mining and ensure the country benefits from the state’s rich mineral resources.

Commending members of the fourth estate of the realm for championing the propagation of reforms and initiatives of the ministry in 2024, Alake noted that the press have been key allies in efforts to sanitise the mining sector, and promote market reforms which have made the industry attractive to indigenous and foreign investors.

On the recent controversy surrounding the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with France, Alake reaffirmed the Federal Government’s position that the agreement does not imply Nigeria is relinquishing control over its mineral resources or entering into any military pact with France. He emphasized that Nigeria’s military remains fully capable of safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity.

“The high point of the MOU is on training and capacity building for our mining professionals. We need all the assistance we can get in terms of capacity, technical, and financial support from abroad, and that wasn’t even the first we are signing. We’ve signed similar ones with Germany and Australia. Deliberate peddling of misinformation, despite facts to the contrary, is uncalled for, “the minister emphasised.

Dr. Alake also urged the media to continue to play its crucial role in educating the public about government policies in order to prevent ignorance, mischief, and the spread of misinformation.

Looking ahead to 2025, the minister hinted at upcoming policy initiatives aimed at revitalizing the mining sector. He revealed that the ministry plans to further consolidate reforms, enhance the enabling environment for investments, and continue efforts to reposition the sector for long-term, sustainable growth.

 

Segun Tomori, FSCA

Special Assistant on Media

to the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development

 

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BIG STORY

Emefiele Loses Warehouse Built On 1.925 Hectares To Federal Government

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the final forfeiture of a warehouse linked to Godwin Emefiele, the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

According to The Guardian, top sources revealed that Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Lagos issued the forfeiture order on Thursday, December 19, 2024, with the property forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The warehouse, built on a 1.925-hectare piece of land located at Km 8 along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Magboro, contained 54 general-purpose steel containers.

The containers were filled with various types of sewing machines.

Earlier, on November 28, the judge had ordered the interim forfeiture of the assets after the Commission filed an application for their forfeiture.

Following the court’s directive for the EFCC to publish the order in two national newspapers, allowing any interested party to show cause why the assets should not be finally forfeited, the Commission later returned to court to request the final forfeiture of the assets.

According to the source, the court also ordered the forfeiture of the land on which the warehouse is situated to the government.

“At the resumed hearing of the matter on Thursday, EFCC Counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, told the court that the EFCC had complied with the court’s directives to publish the assets in two national newspapers,” the source said.

“Citing Section 44(2)(B) of the constitution and Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006, he prayed the court to grant the final forfeiture of the assets.

“Justice Dipeolu granted the order, making the forfeiture another milestone in the asset recovery drive of the EFCC.”

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BIG STORY

10 Feared Dead, Several Others Injured At Catholic Church’s Palliative In Abuja

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A stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama District of Abuja on Saturday morning has resulted in several deaths and numerous injuries.

The tragic incident occurred during a palliative distribution event organized by the church to assist struggling residents.

It was reported that chaos erupted as thousands of residents rushed to receive relief items, leading to the deadly crush.

Over 3,000 people, including children, mostly from nearby areas such as Mpape and Gishiri Village, had gathered for the event before the unfortunate incident took place.

Mike Umoh, the National Director of Social Communications at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, confirmed the incident.

“Yes, it’s true, but the details are sketchy,” he said in a brief statement.

On the same Saturday, a stampede in Okija, a community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State in Nigeria’s South-east, also left many people dead.

According to Premium Times, witnesses reported that the victims had gathered to participate in the distribution of bags of rice donated by a well-known entrepreneur, Ernest Obiejesi, commonly referred to as Obijackson.

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