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Borno flooding: WHO steps in as state govt opens relief account, Dangote donates N2bn

Published

2 years ago

September 14, 2024

Borno flooding: WHO steps in as state govt opens relief account, Dangote donates N2bn

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has promised to assist the Borno State Government as impact of the recent flood disaster in Maiduguri begins to manifest, with about 500,000 rendered homeless, over 30 persons confirmed dead and fear of epidemic rises.
Vice President Kashim Shettima also says additional relief is underway for victims and states severely affected by flood and insecurity across Nigeria. .
President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, on Friday, announced the donation of N2 billion to assist those affected by the devastating flood in Borno.
Apart from loss of lives and displacement of families, the recent flooding has also caused collosal damage to vital infrastructure.
In the face the daunting humanitarian crisis, the state government has called on all individuals and groups to contribute to its newly created flood relief account.
The account details are given as follows: Name: BORNO ST. FLOOD DISASTER RELIEFBank: Zenith Bank Account Number: 1313556361.

Governor of Borno Babagana Zulum had said in a statewide broadcast on the flood disaster, “In the past few days, we have witnessed devastating floods in a way that many of us have never experienced before.
“Streets, homes, offices and businesses have been submerged, and unquantifiable property have been lost. Countless lives have now been turned upside down.
“The impact of this disaster has been profound, and is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that we face in our environment.”
He also said, “The magnitude of the destruction from this devastating flood cannot yet be quantified until the water has receded and on-the-spot assessments have been conducted.
“Borno has always been known for its resilience and we need to strongly rely on this to rebound from this disaster.
“Our recovery process will require collective innovative thinking and commitment to rebuild lost infrastructure, and homes.
“Government is open to constructive ideas from everyone on how we can fortify our state against future disasters.”

Speaking during an assessment tour of the situation on Friday in Maiduguri, WHO Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Walter Mulombo, lamented the impact of the flood, adding that about 14 health facilities have been cut off by the flood while some laboratories were also affected.
Mulombo was quoted in a report as saying the communities needed help and that WHO would help the state government to manage the unprecedented crisis.
He said, “The sudden flooding has displaced many communities from their homes. We were shocked about what happened.
“We came to see first-hand and find out what the needs are to support the state and the federal government to address the sudden challenge. Climate change is real, we are seeing the devastation.”

VP Shettima said the federal and state governments, alongside the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), were actively working to enhance support for displaced communities.
He said on Friday that the administration of President Bola Tinubu remained focused on effective governance and the welfare of all Nigerians beyond political considerations.
He spoke during an assessment visit to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Gwada, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
He said, “We are here at the instance of President Bola Tinubu to give the commitment of the Federal Government to supporting the people of Niger State towards addressing the food challenges caused by the flood and the insecurity that has been bedevilling this part of the country.
“We have come to reaffirm the President’s irrevocable commitment towards ameliorating the sufferings of our people.
“This is a symbolic gesture to assure the government and people of Niger State that the President is poised to assist all states of the federation towards addressing these challenges.”
The Vice President recalled that the Federal Government had already disbursed ₦3 billion to each state to address flooding issues.
He, however, emphasised that it was just the beginning of a more comprehensive support plan, saying “this is just a tip of the iceberg as far as some states like Borno, Niger, Sokoto, Bayelsa and Jigawa are concerned.”
He explained that states’ eligibility to receive additional federal government support will be evidence- driven and based on detailed assessment of needs.“We will do our assessment and we will be very scientific in our approach. All states that deserve to be supported will be fully supported because governance is about the people,” Shettima said.
He also spoke on the concerns of the IDPs, stressing that returning them to their communities was a priority.
“We are here and we will support our people. It’s not about politics; it’s about governance and improving the living conditions of our people,” he said.
Dangote on his part said the Presidential Committee on Flood and Disaster, which he chairs, committed N1 billion, the Dangote Foundation would donate an additional N1 billion.
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, stressed the need for more support to overcome the flooding of Maiduguri and its environs.
He stated that recovering from such a disaster could not be the government’s responsibility alone and that it required the collective effort of all stakeholders.
Owing to this, the state government has established a dedicated relief fund that can provide urgent assistance to those affected by the incident.The government aims to mobilise support from citizens, organisations, and international partners to alleviate the suffering of flood victims and facilitate their recovery.

Dangote said, “We have a Presidential Committee on Flood and Disaster which I chair. They have already committed about N1 billion, and the Aliko Dangote Foundation will also give another N1 billion. We will give this two billion as early as this coming week.”

He also solicited the support of other cooperating Nigerians to come to the assistance of Borno State Government to address the destruction caused by the flood of Maiduguri and its environs.

He added, “It’s mind-boggling; it is disastrous. I have never seen this kind of overwhelming disaster. I think it is going to be a herculean task in a couple of days and even weeks for this situation to go back to normal.
“Most of the houses would not survive because they had been submerged and the foundations have weakened.

“I am calling on all cooperating Nigerians to rise and support because the government cannot do it alone.
“We need to help make sure that people do not continue to suffer. Some of them have been in their houses for the last three days. It has touched my heart to see how people suffered.
“We would continue to mobilise other funds and resources to see what we can do to alleviate the suffering of our people.”
He was accompanied by the Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr Abdullahi Sule.
Also, Gombe State Government have identified with the government and people of Borno State over the flooding.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, who was represented by a delegation led by the deputy governor, Manassah Daniel Jatau, presented a donation of N100 million as assistance to the victims of the incident, praying to God that such a devastating incident never reoccur in history of Borno State.
A press statement issued by the Director-General (Press Affairs), Ismaila Uba Misilli, gave the details on Friday.

Also, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, commiserated with Zulum, the people of Borno State and the families of victims of the severe flooding

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of its President-General, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar, has called for national support for victims of the flood disaster.
In a statement signed by its Deputy Secretary-General, Prof. Salisu Shehu, the NSCIA, described the flood as a “devastating tragedy” that has caused immense suffering to the people of Borno State.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has ordered its medical team to commence a sustained free medical outreach to assist residents of Maiduguri affected by the flood disaster as part of its efforts to provide relief for victims of the crisis.

A statement by Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Group Captain Kabiru Ali, said the free medical outreach, which was launched on 11 September 11, 2024 in Maiduguri, followed the directives of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, for NAF units in Maiduguri to offer medical assistance and essential relief materials to the affected population.

Ali said the NAF’s outreach is designed to address the urgent needs of the survivors, by providing essential medical care, food, water, and relief materials.
The beneficiaries of the outreach, he said, are thus receiving free medical consultations, medications, and the distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets.
He said families in need are receiving food and water supplies, stressing that among the notable cases.

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FG Declares Two-Day Public Holiday for Eid-ul-Adha Celebration

Published

5 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Trends Admin

Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo

FG Declares Two-Day Public Holiday for Eid-ul-Adha Celebration

The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, May 27, and Thursday, May 28, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Adha celebration across Nigeria.

The declaration was announced by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement issued on Monday through the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani.

According to the statement, the public holiday declaration reflects the Federal Government’s recognition of the spiritual significance of Eid-ul-Adha, one of the most important festivals in Islam, observed by millions of Muslims in Nigeria and across the world.

The minister congratulated Muslim faithful both within Nigeria and in the diaspora, describing the festival as a solemn period of sacrifice, devotion, obedience to God and compassion for humanity.

He noted that Eid-el-Kabir, also known as Eid-ul-Adha, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah’s command, a symbolic act that remains central to Islamic teachings on faith and submission.

FG Declares Two-Day Public Holiday for Eid-ul-Adha Celebration

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Ex-Governor’s Aide Linked to Kidnap Syndicate in Katsina

Published

6 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Trends Admin

Ex-Governor’s Aide Linked to Kidnap Syndicate in Katsina

The Katsina State Government has confirmed that a former Senior Special Assistant on Community Development, Nura Aliyu Garwa, who is currently under police investigation over alleged involvement in a kidnapping syndicate, had earlier been suspended from office before seeking election into the Katsina State House of Assembly.

Garwa is among the suspects recently paraded by the Katsina State Police Command over the alleged abduction of an eight-year-old boy at Sardauna Estate in Katsina metropolis, a case that has sparked widespread concern across the state.

The government’s position was made known in a statement issued on Sunday by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Salisu Zango, who clarified that Garwa had already been removed from office over misconduct before his political ambition to contest for a legislative seat in Batsari Local Government Area.

According to the statement, Garwa was suspended for his alleged involvement in the diversion of empowerment materials meant for distribution to communities under the state’s Community Development Programme.

The commissioner explained that the suspension was part of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s commitment to accountability and transparency in public service.

“The suspected mastermind of the kidnapping syndicate, Nura Aliyu Garwa, had earlier been suspended as Senior Special Assistant on Community Development before his intention to contest for the position of member of the Katsina State House of Assembly representing Batsari Local Government,” the statement said.

Ex-Governor’s Aide Linked to Kidnap Syndicate in Katsina

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Bandits Storm Kwara Emir’s Palace, Abduct Wives, Children in Midnight Raid

Published

6 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Trends Admin

Kwara Police Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo

Bandits Storm Kwara Emir’s Palace, Abduct Wives, Children in Midnight Raid

Suspected bandits launched a coordinated assault on Yashikira community in Kwara State’s Baruten Local Government Area, setting the Emir’s palace ablaze and abducting at least 10 persons including multiple wives and children of the traditional ruler in an attack that has heightened tensions across the state’s northern region.

The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed that suspected armed bandits launched a coordinated midnight attack on Yashikira community in Baruten Local Government Area, burning part of the Emir’s palace and abducting 10 people, including wives and children of the traditional ruler, Alhaji Umar Seriki.

The command said the attackers struck at about 2:00 a.m. on Monday, May 25, 2026, in a simultaneous assault on the Yashikira Police Divisional Headquarters and the Emir’s palace, describing it as a “coordinated and desperate operation.” According to reports, about 15 suspected bandits were involved in the invasion, which occurred just days before the Eid el-Kabir celebrations.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the command said the attack resulted in the abduction of 10 persons, while security operatives successfully repelled the assault on the police station. The police noted that the swift response of the officers prevented the bandits from overrunning the police facility.

The Kwara State Police Command condemned what it called “the cowardly and audacious attack,” stating that the armed criminals, in a “coordinated and desperate assault,” simultaneously attacked the Yashikira Police Divisional Headquarters and the Palace of the Emir of Yashikira. The statement added that during the attack, part of the palace was set ablaze, while ten people were abducted and taken to an unknown destination.

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Following the incident, Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Adekimi, immediately ordered a full-scale, intelligence-driven tactical operation involving the military, police, forest guards, vigilantes, and other security stakeholders to comb the surrounding forests and criminal hideouts with the sole objective of rescuing the victims unhurt and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

The command stated that it remains battle-ready and fully determined to confront these “enemies of peace” with every lawful operational asset and strategy at its disposal. The police vowed: “These criminals have declared war against peace-loving citizens, and we are fully prepared to hunt them down relentlessly. We will deploy everything within our operational capacity to smoke them out of hiding, dismantle their networks, rescue all abducted victims, and ensure they face the full wrath of the law.”

However, earlier accounts from residents painted a more harrowing picture of the attack. Sources said the attackers stormed the community between about 12:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m., firing sporadically before advancing on the palace and surrounding areas. Eyewitnesses reported that the gunmen arrived on motorcycles and moved directly to the palace complex, overpowering local vigilantes and operating for hours while terrified villagers fled into nearby bushes for safety.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said three wives and four children of the traditional ruler were among those abducted during the invasion. “I just finished communicating with my father right now. In his report, he said three of the wives of the Emir and four children were abducted, including some resident members of the community,” the resident said.

Another witness, Tukur Ahmed, corroborated this account, stating: “They came on motorcycles and went straight to the palace. They were shooting into the air and broke into the inner quarters where the Emir’s wives and children were. They took three of the wives and four children, alongside some other residents, before setting the cars on fire and leaving the town.”

Sources also confirmed that several vehicles belonging to the palace were set ablaze during the raid, causing extensive property damage estimated in millions of naira. It was further gathered that the Emir was not present in the palace at the time of the attack and escaped unharmed.

A senior police officer at the Baruten Divisional Police Headquarters located at Kosubosu, who sought anonymity, confirmed the development, stating that security agencies had commenced efforts to rescue the abducted victims and track down the attackers. “We have sent signal to the state police headquarters in Ilorin and we have commenced manhunt of the suspected bandits,” the officer said.

Meanwhile, security agencies have commenced bush-combing and surveillance operations across the area as part of ongoing efforts to rescue the victims and apprehend the attackers. The police command has assured residents of Yashikira and other parts of Kaiama Local Government Area that security operations have been intensified across vulnerable communities, with surveillance, intelligence gathering, and aggressive bush-combing operations ongoing.

This attack came barely 48 hours after another deadly incident in Kwara State. On Saturday night, armed men invaded a prayer ground at Ori-Oke Ajaiye on the outskirts of Ikiran village in Ekiti Local Government Area, killing three worshippers and abducting 15 others during a vigil. These two attacks, happening within days of each other, have raised significant concerns over worsening insecurity in parts of North Central Nigeria.

Kwara North has in recent months witnessed a significant escalation in banditry, with repeated attacks on rural communities, highways, and traditional institutions across Baruten, Kaiama, Edu, and Patigi local government areas. In February 2026, youths from Kwara North staged a protest demanding an end to incessant killings and bandit attacks ravaging communities in the region. The protesters alleged that recent attacks on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area claimed between 162 and 200 lives within two days.

More recently, in April 2026, armed bandits attacked the Nuku community in Kaiama Local Government Area, killing five forest guards. The bandits, who reportedly stormed the community in large numbers at about 3:00 am, also destroyed property worth millions of naira, including setting motorcycles belonging to forest guards ablaze and burning patrol vehicles operated by mobile police.

Residents have repeatedly blamed the recurring attacks on the porous border routes around Baruten Local Government Area, alleging that armed groups frequently infiltrate communities using the difficult terrain and proximity to inter-state routes. Some residents have also accused security agencies of failing to provide adequate protection despite repeated warnings over increasing bandit activities in surrounding villages.

The police command has urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, adding that useful information from members of the public would assist security agencies in rescuing the abducted victims and apprehending those behind the attack. CP Adekimi vowed that the command would not bow to threats, intimidation, or acts of terror orchestrated by bandits and criminal elements operating within any part of the state.