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Borno flood: One million persons affected, 414,000 displaced

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Borno flood: One million persons affected, 414,000 displaced

Death toll hits 30, victims sleep on streets, NEMA opens nine IDP camps, Bayelsa flooded after downpour

 

 

BORNO- At least 414,000 people have been displaced and another 30 killed by the devastating flood in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital on Tuesday.

 

National Emergency Management Agency said the flood began after the Alau Dam overflowed following heavy rains leading to the town’s worst flooding in 30 years, according to the United Nations Human Rights Refugee Council and Maiduguri Metropolitan Council residents.

NEMA spokesman Manzo Ezekiel told The PUNCH on Wednesday that the death toll had hit 30 and displaced persons close to half a million.

 

 

“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.

FG 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.”

 

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Easter: Oyo PDP Guber Aspirant, Ajadi, Greets Gov Makinde, CAN, Others 

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Easter: Oyo PDP Guber Aspirant, Ajadi, Greets Gov Makinde, CAN, Others 

 

The leading Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Governorship Aspirant in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo has congratulated the Governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde, the Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN), the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, (PFN) and the entire Christians on the occasion of this year’s Easter Celebration.

 

Ajadi said that the Good Friday which marked the remembrance of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the Easter Sunday, which marks his risen from the dead, are important dates in the Christiandom.

Ajadi in a statement he personally signed on Friday to commemorate the Easter, said that he rejoiced with Christians that this year’s celebration is being witnessed in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility in the country.

He said that he particularly rejoiced with Gov Makinde saying that his exemplary leadership and good governance in Oyo State in the last seven years has shown him as a selfless person, a lover of the masses and one who cares for others.

He said that these are the traits of a good Christian, praying that God would continue to endear the governor with more wisdom and success.

He called on Christians to remember Jesus Christ’s directive that they should love their neighbours as themselves, saying that if this directive is strictly followed there would be peace in the World.

Ajadi, who is also a renowned philanthropist, called on Christians, especially the well to do, to learn the heart of helping the poor.

He said that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ will not be in vain if Christians can abide by his directive on humility and love for one another.

Ajadi said that there is hope for Nigeria as a country despite the present harsh economy and prevalent of insecurity.

“We should take solace in the fact that God can do all things and that like He restores the lost glory and resources of the people of Zion, He will do same for Nigeria.

“Nigeria will reclaim her leading position both in Africa and among the black Nations. Let’s continue to pray for the good of our land,” Ajadi said in the statement.

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POCACOV Takes Fight Against Cultism And Bullying To Schools In Edo

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POCACOV Intensifies Sensitization on Cultism, Bullying, and Social Vices Among Students in Edo

 

In commemoration of the 2026 National Police Day Celebration, the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), Edo State Command, has reinforced its preventive policing efforts through a targeted sensitization outreach at Igbinedion Education Centre, Benin City.

The initiative forms part of the broader activities marking this year’s National Police Day, themed “Community Partnership: Building Trust,” which emphasizes collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the public in fostering a safer society.

The sensitization programme witnessed the presence of key stakeholders, including the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, the Police Public Relations Officer, and the Edo State POCACOV Coordinator, ASP Kingsley Upeh. The team engaged students in an insightful and impactful session focused on the dangers of cultism, bullying, and other social vices prevalent among youths.

During the session, students were educated on the severe and far-reaching consequences of cult-related activities. These include violence, loss of lives, disruption of academic pursuits, and long-term damage to personal reputation and future opportunities. The speakers also highlighted how peer pressure, drug abuse, and negative social influences often serve as gateways into criminal behavior.

In an interactive segment, the Commissioner of Police stressed the legal implications of engaging in criminal acts, noting that involvement in cultism and related offences could lead to arrest, prosecution, and lifelong consequences that may hinder personal growth and career aspirations.

The issue of bullying was also extensively addressed, with emphasis on both its legal ramifications and psychological impact on victims. Students were encouraged to speak up against bullying, report incidents to school authorities or law enforcement, and support peers who may be affected.

Furthermore, the outreach underscored the importance of self-discipline, moral values, and making informed life choices. Students were urged to become ambassadors of peace within their schools and communities by rejecting violence and promoting unity and mutual respect.

The POCACOV team reiterated its commitment to continuous engagement with young people through awareness campaigns, community outreach, and strategic partnerships aimed at preventing crime before it occurs. The initiative aligns with the Nigeria Police Force’s proactive approach to policing, which prioritizes education, prevention, and community involvement.

 

POCACOV Takes Fight Against Cultism And Bullying To Schools In Edo

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COAS Launches Nationwide Security Renewal Mission in Plateau

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COAS Launches Nationwide Security Renewal Mission in Plateau

 

 

 

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Thursday led a high-level delegation of security chiefs to Plateau State, flagging off a nationwide security renewal mission aimed at strengthening civil-military cooperation and restoring lasting peace across the country.

The visit to Jos, the Plateau State capital, marks the first phase of a coordinated national effort to address persistent security challenges through joint operations, community engagement, and proactive intelligence gathering.

COAS Launches Nationwide Security Renewal Mission in Plateau

Governor Caleb Muftwang received the delegation, describing the initiative as a critical step toward stabilizing affected communities and reinforcing public confidence in security institutions.

Civil-Military Synergy Takes Centre Stage

At the heart of the mission is a renewed emphasis on collaboration between the military, civil authorities, and local communities. Speaking during the visit, Lt. Gen. Shaibu stressed that national security must be treated as a collective responsibility.

He urged citizens to support security agencies by remaining vigilant, sharing credible information, and complying with lawful directives, noting that effective security cannot be achieved in isolation.

Community Engagement as Confidence-Building Tool

In a departure from purely operational engagements, the Army Chief held direct consultations with community leaders and residents in Jos, reinforcing the importance of trust and dialogue in conflict resolution.

Lawmakers, including Dachung Bagos and Ladi Dangyok, commended the initiative, stating that visible engagement by top military leadership helps rebuild confidence among citizens and fosters cooperation.

Proactive Security Operations Underway

Operational updates were provided by Major General Folusho Oyinlola, who disclosed that troops under Operation Enduring Peace have intensified surveillance, intelligence-led patrols, and coordinated actions with other security agencies.

According to the Army, the approach is designed to prevent escalation of threats, safeguard lives and property, and stabilize vulnerable communities before crises emerge.

A Shift Toward Sustainable Peace

Military authorities emphasized that the Plateau visit is part of a broader, long-term strategy to transition from reactive responses to sustainable peacebuilding nationwide. The framework includes strengthening local resilience, ensuring justice, and maintaining continuous engagement with stakeholders.

Analysts view the initiative as a significant policy shift, reflecting a more inclusive security architecture that integrates community participation with military operations.

Call for National Unity

The Army leadership concluded with an appeal to Nigerians to reject divisive narratives and support ongoing efforts to promote unity and peace.

“The success of this mission depends not only on the armed forces but on the cooperation of every citizen,” the COAS stated.

The nationwide security renewal campaign is expected to extend to other regions in the coming weeks as authorities seek to consolidate gains and build a safer, more unified Nigeria.

 

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