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Flood alert in Ekiti, Delta, Sokoto, 11 others

Published

5 months ago

June 15, 2025

Flood alert in Ekiti, Delta, Sokoto, 11 others

The skies opened up yesterday across several states of the federation rendering some roads flooded

The rain began early in the day just hours after the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) warned of thundery and rainy weather activities between yesterday and tomorrow across Nigeria.

A similar warning came from the Lagos State Government yesterday

The NiMET weather outlook predicted early morning thunderstorms over parts of Taraba, Kebbi, Zamfara, Kaduna and Adamawa states in the north yesterday.

According to it, thunderstorms with rains were anticipated over parts of Kebbi, Taraba, Zamfara, Borno, Kaduna, Sokoto, Gombe and Bauchi states later in the day.

“In the North-Central region, early morning thunderstorms are expected over parts of Benue, Plateau, Niger, the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa states,” it said.

It followed up the warning with a post on its X account yesterday, drawing attention to the likelihood of flash floods in Akwa Ibom,Sokoto, Zamfara, Plateau, Yobe, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Abia, Nasarawa, Benue, Ogun, Ekiti, Delta and Rivers states.

It said: “As the rainy season intensifies, flash flooding remains a growing concern across Nigeria.

“Several states are already showing signs of significant rainfall accumulation, leading to a higher risk of flash floods.”

It listed Akwa Ibom as a high risk area, especially in urban and low-lying communities.

It warned residents to clear drainage systems, keep gutters, storm drains and canals free from debris to prevent blockages and local flooding.

Yesterday rainfall lasted several hours in Lagos metropolis.

Rainwater took over many roads and streets, slowing down vehicular movement.

The country is still reeling from the tragic effects of the recent flooding of Mokwa,Niger State.

Over 200 lives were lost in the incident which President Bola Tinubu described as distressing.

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Lagos warns of imminent heavy rainfall

Lagos State Environment and Water Resources Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab warned residents of the state to prepare for potential flash floods and intense rainfall expected in the coming days.

The Commissioner, in a statement through the ministry’s Director Public Affairs, Mr. Kunle Adeshina, cited weather forecasts showing geostationary imagery with indications of thunderstorms, dense cloud cover, and widespread convective rainfall.

These conditions, according to him, could result in flash flooding in many parts of the state, particularly in low-lying areas and communities located near rivers and lagoons.

Wahab urged residents to remain alert, explaining that the forecast is a continuation of earlier warnings issued at the start of the rainy season.

He noted that the coastal nature of Lagos, combined with rising lagoon levels during periods of heavy rain, often causes tidal locks that can prevent effective drainage, worsening flood situations.

Besides, the Commissioner advised parents and guardians to closely monitor their children, particularly those currently on mid-term break, to prevent them from playing in floodwaters or attempting to swim in drainage channels — a practice that poses serious risks during such periods.

Motorists and pedestrians were also cautioned not to attempt to wade through flooded roads, as the depth and strength of the water may lead to vehicles being submerged or individuals being swept away by strong currents.

Wahab stressed the ongoing efforts of the state government to maintain and clear drainage systems year-round but added that when rainfall exceeds normal levels, community cooperation becomes crucial.

He also warned against the dangerous habit of dumping refuse in drains, reminding the public that such actions block waterways and increase the likelihood of flooding.

Offenders will be held accountable, he added.

We’re prepared in Anambra, says commissioner

The Anambra State Government yesterday expressed its preparedness for any flood-related emergency.

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Environment Commissioner Felix Odimegwu told reporters in Awka that his ministry, in collaboration with relevant agencies, had intensified the sensitisation of the people to this year’s rainfall and likely flooding.

A downpour on Monday had caused severe flooding around Zik’s Avenue, Iweka Road near the popular Ochanja Market in Onitsha, the commercial centre of the state.

The situation disrupted business activities in the area.

Odimegwu said the campaign and sensitisation was in response to early warnings from NiMET which listed Anambra among the states at high risk of flooding during the rainy season.

He said: “After the first six months seasonal prediction by NiMet, we disseminated the information and notified residents, especially those living at the coastal areas about the upcoming rainfall and flooding consequences, and urged the general public to be absolutely careful and prepared for it.

“The state government has consistently sensitises the people to desist from blocking water channels and drainages in and around surroundings of their houses to pave way for easy flow of flooding.

“The blockage of water drainages is the root cause of man-made flooding.

“What we are doing is that whatever would cause flooding in the urban areas by man, we will try to prevent it.

“But if it is the flooding caused by river rising above the sea level, we will give warning to people living in the riverine areas to prepare on how to vacate.”

Mai Garin Mokwa seeks urgent fumigation to avert outbreak

The Mai Garin Mokwa (Ndalile of Mokwa), Alhaji Muhammed Aliyu, has called for urgent fumigation of the area to prevent the possible outbreak of diseases.

He made the call when he received the officials of the National Council of Women’s Societies (NCWS) who paid him a sympathy visit at his palace in Mokwa, following the recent flood disaster that claimed over 200 lives and displaced many.

Ndalile of Mokwa said the call for the fumigation became necessary due to the discovery of some decomposing bodies in different parts of the community.

According to him, the major issue was the strong odour emanating from the area, which he said was suggestive of the presence of decomposing bodies under debris

“If nothing urgent is done, it is capable of causing a major health disaster,” he said.

He commended the members of the NCWS for providing vital support to the flood victims, particularly women and children through their timely donations.

The National President of NCWS, Mrs Justina Yakubu, expressed sympathy to the families of those that lost their loved ones, homes and means of livelihoods.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives and property, and our heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods.

“We wish to, on behalf of our members, extend our deepest condolences to you, the people of Mokwa, and the families affected by the recent flood disaster.

“We pray that God should take care of the orphans and the widows and give them open doors so that they will be able to rebuild their homes and settle down,” she added.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that officials of the NCWS also visited the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps where they donated relief items including clothes, food and toiletries to the flood victims.

One of the victims, Felicia Abba, thanked the NCWS for the visit and the support given to them.

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Atiku will never be Nigeria’s president — Oba of Lagos

Published

3 hours ago

November 9, 2025

Trends Admin

Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty Rilwan Akiolu I

Atiku will never be Nigeria’s president — Oba of Lagos

The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, has declared that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will never become Nigeria’s president, saying destiny has not aligned in his favour despite decades of political ambition.

Speaking with journalists at his Iga Iduganran Palace as part of activities marking his 22nd coronation anniversary, the monarch described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s rise to power as divinely ordained.

“The future belongs to God. But let me say it plainly: former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will never be President of Nigeria,” Akiolu said.

He insisted that Tinubu’s emergence was not a coincidence but an act of divine will.

“Tinubu’s victory was the will of God. I have known him for many years as a compassionate and visionary leader. After his victory, he showed humility and respect by presenting his certificate to me first,” the monarch noted.

Akiolu commended Tinubu’s leadership qualities and urged Nigerians to support his administration, stressing that unity and patience were essential for national progress.

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“Lagosians and Nigerians should rally behind him to fulfil God’s purpose for the country,” he added.

Atiku’s Long Road to Aso Rock

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has made several attempts to occupy Nigeria’s highest political office since the early 1990s.

1992: Sought the presidency under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) but lost to late M.K.O. Abiola.
2007: Contested on the Action Congress (AC) platform, coming third behind Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
2011: Lost the PDP presidential ticket to Goodluck Jonathan.
2015: Participated in the APC primaries, losing to Muhammadu Buhari.
2019: Became the PDP presidential candidate but lost to Buhari.
2023: Again ran on the PDP ticket, finishing third behind Bola Tinubu (APC) and Peter Obi (Labour Party).

Despite his consistency, Atiku’s dream of becoming Nigeria’s president remains elusive — a situation the Oba of Lagos attributed to divine destiny rather than political failure.

Atiku’s Camp Reacts

Reacting to the monarch’s remarks, Paul Ibe, spokesperson for the Atiku Media Office, dismissed Akiolu’s comment as “an expression of personal opinion with no bearing on Nigeria’s democratic process.”

He said the former Vice President remained committed to the country’s democratic future and would not be distracted by “palace politics or media statements.”

“Only God and the Nigerian people can decide who becomes president. Atiku Abubakar has always believed in democracy, the rule of law, and the will of the electorate — not pronouncements from individuals, however highly placed,” Ibe said.

He added that the PDP leader would continue to advocate for good governance and credible elections in Nigeria.

Atiku will never be Nigeria’s president — Oba of Lagos

metro

UK warns citizens against travel to Nigeria over rising insecurity

Published

4 hours ago

November 9, 2025

Trends Admin

UK warns citizens against travel to Nigeria over rising insecurity

The United Kingdom has issued a fresh travel advisory warning its citizens against visiting several parts of Nigeria over worsening insecurity, terrorism, and kidnapping threats across the country.

In the updated advisory published on GOV.UK and reviewed by Newstrends on Sunday, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said insecurity was on the rise in all regions of Nigeria, urging British nationals to remain alert and update their safety plans.

“Insecurity is increasing across Nigeria. Kidnapping, violent crime and intercommunal violence occur throughout all regions,” the advisory read.

High-Risk States Listed

The FCDO advised against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara States, citing a growing threat from Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
It also discouraged non-essential travel to Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, and Taraba States, as well as the outer suburbs of Abuja.

The UK government warned that “violent crime involving firearms has increased and spread from the outer suburbs to more central, wealthier areas” of Abuja, adding that British officials in Nigeria have been advised to restrict movement to within the city’s main metropolitan area.

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Protests and Regional Threats

The advisory cautioned that protests in Abuja could turn violent, urging travellers to monitor local media, avoid demonstrations, and follow instructions from security agencies.

It painted a bleak picture of the North-East, where military operations against insurgents are ongoing in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe States. Travellers in Maiduguri were warned that if security deteriorates further, “it could be extremely difficult to leave the city.”

In the South-East and South-South, the FCDO advised against travel to “riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States,” citing militant activity, attacks on oil infrastructure, and a high risk of armed robbery and kidnapping.

The advisory also flagged violence involving secessionist groups in the South-East, warning that although foreign nationals are not usually targeted, they could be caught in crossfire during clashes.

Caution in Lagos and South-West

While large-scale terror attacks remain rare, the FCDO noted that violent crimes such as mugging, car-jacking and kidnapping are “common, particularly in larger cities including Lagos.”
It recalled that Islamic State West Africa claimed responsibility for two attacks in 2022 and advised travellers to avoid night movements, especially on the mainland.

The advisory concluded by urging British citizens in Nigeria to stay alert, follow local security guidance, and ensure contingency plans are in place.

“Take advice from your hotel, employer or hosts, and make sure your safety procedures are up to date,” it stated.

Nigeria continues to battle multiple security challenges, including terrorism in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, separatist violence in the South-East, and militancy in the Niger Delta.

UK warns citizens against travel to Nigeria over rising insecurity

metro

Outrage in Bayelsa as policeman assaults his three children over witchcraft claim

Published

7 hours ago

November 9, 2025

Trends Admin

Musa Mohammed, Bayelsa Police command Public Relations Officer

Outrage in Bayelsa as policeman assaults his three children over witchcraft claim

— Victims rescued by security patrol; rights groups, ministry demand justice

Yenagoa, Bayelsa State — Outrage has trailed a shocking incident in Yenagoa after a police inspector allegedly brutalised his three children, accusing them of being witches.

The officer, identified simply as Inspector John, attached to the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Igbogene Division, reportedly launched the attack over the weekend, leaving his young children severely injured.

Neighbours, alarmed by the children’s screams, alerted operatives of the Doo Akpor Security Patrol Team, who stormed the residence, rescued the victims, and rushed them to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Medical officials confirmed that the children are in stable condition, though traumatised by the ordeal.

Human rights and advocacy groups have condemned the attack, describing it as “barbaric and inhumane.” The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Bayelsa Chapter, led by Dr. Bomq Toney Miebai; the National Association of Women Against Gender-Based Violence, headed by Dr. Dise Ogbise Goddy-Harry; and the Do Foundation, chaired by Dianna Iluma, have all vowed to ensure the officer faces prosecution.

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According to the groups, a case of criminal assault and attempted murder has been filed against the inspector at the Akenfa Police Station.

The Ministry of Women Affairs and Gender Development has also stepped in, with its Permanent Secretary visiting both the police station and hospital to gather facts about the incident.

Speaking on the development, Dr. Goddy-Harry said:

“The Commissioner of Police has ordered the arrest of the officer and the transfer of the case to the state headquarters. He has assured us that the investigation will be thorough and justice will be served. These children must not be left to suffer in silence.”

The State Police Public Relations Officer, Musa Muhammed, confirmed the arrest but noted that preliminary details were still being compiled.

Meanwhile, child rights activists have renewed calls for stricter penalties against individuals who brand minors as witches — a practice that has led to severe abuse and deaths in several parts of the country.

“This case highlights a recurring evil — the dangerous superstition of witchcraft accusations against children,” said a member of FIDA. “It’s time society and law enforcement agencies take a firm stand.”

The rescued children remain under medical observation while welfare agencies move to secure their protection.