News
Northern Nigeria faces rising flood risks amid ongoing heatwave
As Northern Nigeria endures a prolonged heatwave with soaring temperatures, fresh alerts from federal authorities have identified the region among the areas most at risk of severe flooding in the coming months.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) recently issued a heat stress warning for 18 northern states, including Kano, Borno, Sokoto, and the FCT, noting that temperatures could reach up to 40°C.
The agency attributed the weather condition to high humidity and clear skies following a few days of rainfall, urging residents to take preventive health measures.
In the midst of this heat, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has also projected that 30 states and the FCT are at risk of flooding this year.
The 2025 Annual Flood Outlook, presented by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, identified hundreds of communities across the country—especially in states like Borno, Jigawa, Adamawa, and Zamfara—as highly vulnerable between April and November.
Many of these states experienced severe devastation during the 2024 floods. One of the most tragic incidents occurred in Borno State with the collapse of the Alau Dam, resulting in the reported deaths of over 150 persons and extensive damage in Maiduguri and Jere LGAs.
Across other states like Benue, Kebbi, and Kogi, flood swept away homes, farmlands, and livelihoods.
Despite these experiences, many affected communities remain without adequate support or resettlement, raising fresh concerns about preparedness.
Environmental expert, Professor Aliyu Nabegu, emphasized the importance of heeding flood warnings.
He said, “Flood alerts are meant to call the attention of the public to do the needful, but many don’t listen.“
Most environmental devastations are caused by human activity. Some people refuse to provide proper drainage for their properties or even unclog the existing ones, and water will find a way for itself if you block its path, leading to flooding.”
He called on individuals and communities to start making necessary preparations in light of the current predictions, stressing that early action could prevent a repeat of last year’s devastation.
Commenting on the extreme heatwave, Professor Nabegu also called for a more introspective approach to climate change, pointing to deforestation as a major contributor.
“Every day more trees are being felled for wood or other activities. Sadly, this is contributing to the excessive heat,” he said.
He urged the public to adopt environmentally conscious habits while calling on the government to provide affordable and sustainable alternatives to wood fuel.
Nabegu encouraged all stakeholders to remain committed to the fight against climate change, stressing that long-term solutions must take priority over short-term fixes.
Meanwhile, federal authorities have announced several initiatives, including a National Flood Insurance Programme (NFIP) and an Integrated Climate Resilience Innovation Project (I-CRIP), to mitigate climate impacts and improve emergency response.
The Niger Flood Project, another major effort, is expected to enhance flood control and river management across several states.
While these interventions are underway, local governments and communities are being urged to invest in improved drainage systems, enforce environmental regulations, and engage in early warning communication.
For many northern communities, the months ahead will test not only the accuracy of forecasts, but the readiness of institutions and the public to act on them.
News
I did not authorise manhandling of Obaseki, says Oba of Benin
The Benin monarch, who spoke in a statement signed by Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor, advised youth not to take the laws into their hands on any issue no matter the degree of provocation.
The Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare II, has said that he never authorised the manhandling of a former Managing Director of Daar Communication, Dr. Pedro Obaseki.Oba Ewuare II said he remained a father of all.
The former Daar Communication boss was, last Sunday, abducted where he was playing football by suspected thugs.
He was beaten, stripped naked and paraded through the streets of Benin City on allegation of being an ‘Oghionba’ (enemy of the Oba).
Obaseki was taken to the Oba’s Palace from where he was taken to the police station.
He was beaten, stripped naked and paraded through the streets of Benin City on allegation of being an ‘Oghionba’ (enemy of the Oba).Obaseki was taken to the Oba’s Palace from where he was taken to the police station.
But the Benin monarch, who spoke in a statement signed by Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor, advised youth not to take the laws into their hands on any issue no matter the degree of provocation.
In the statement, “The Benin Traditional Council use this medium to inform the general public that the unfortunate incidence in which Pedro Obaseki was manhandled was not authorized by the Oba of Benin.
And it cannot be authorized because it is not in the character of our revered monarch to do so. The Oba of Benin is a peace-loving father to all.
“The Benin Traditional Council also wish to advice our youth not to take the laws into their hands on any issue no matter the degree of provocation.
They should always respect the laws of the land in all actions and utterances and allow appropriate Security Agencies handle all matters.
“Social media users should equally endeavour to cross-check information appropriately before posting.”
News
Police arrests Kidnappers in “Love Nwantiti” with victims
During their captivity, the women reportedly pretended to reciprocate the suspects’ affections to survive, even exchanging phone numbers.
Kaduna police have arrested two suspected kidnappers who allegedly developed romantic feelings for the women they abducted.
The suspects are accused of abducting and sexually assaulting two married women.
During their captivity, the women reportedly pretended to reciprocate the suspects’ affections to survive, even exchanging phone numbers.
Acting on intelligence, police intercepted and arrested the suspects at the meeting location on Tuesday.
After being released, the women continued communication with the suspects and arranged a meeting under the pretense of a romantic encounter.
News
BREAKING: Kebbi Rice Mill Collapse , one dead, 5 trapped
The Kebbi State Government has expressed deep sympathy to the management and staff of NIA-AGRI following the partial collapse of a section of its rice mill in the state capital.

Photo: Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, who led a high-powered delegation on an on-the-spot assessment visit to the facility…
A tragedy has struck in Kebbi State as a private Rice Milks Located in Birnin Kebbi metropolis has collapsed causing the death of a staff member while five other persons were trapped under the metal wreckage of the facility.
Kebbi State Deputy Governor, Umar Tafida has visited the site, where rescue efforts are still ongoing to save the five trapped victims.
The Kebbi State Government has expressed deep sympathy to the management and staff of NIA-AGRI following the partial collapse of a section of its rice mill in the state capital.
Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, who led a high-powered delegation on an on-the-spot assessment visit to the facility on Tuesday evening, said the visit was aimed at ascertaining the extent of the damage and overseeing the emergency response.
Tragically, the delegation was informed at the site by the Project Engineer that the incident had resulted in at least one fatality.
It was further reported that five other individuals remained trapped under the rubble as of the time of the visit, with intensive rescue operations ongoing.
A combined team of the State Fire Service and Government Emergency Response workers has been engaged in continuous efforts to locate and rescue the trapped workers.
The cause of the collapse is yet to be determined.
The Deputy Governor indicated that a full investigation would be launched once the rescue phase is concluded.
The Kebbi State Government has pledged to continue supporting the rescue operation until all affected individuals are accounted for.
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