Environment
FG Issues Urgent Flood Warning for Niger and Benue Rivers, Urges State Preparedness
The Federal Government has issued an urgent flood warning for the Niger and Benue rivers, advising states to prepare for potential flooding as water levels approach critical thresholds. This warning follows recent severe floods in Maiduguri and Jere, Borno State, caused by the overflow of the Alau Dam due to heavy inflows from the Ngadda River.
Joseph Terlumun Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, emphasized the gravity of the situation during a press briefing. He extended his sympathy to those affected in Borno and stressed that the government’s primary focus is on preventing a broader disaster.
“We are alerting Nigerians to the imminent risk of flooding along the Niger and Benue rivers and their tributaries. Current flow levels are nearing RED alert status,” Utsev stated.
He called for heightened vigilance and proactive measures, particularly in southern regions where the significant volume of water is expected to flow downstream.
Utsev also noted that teams from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, the National Water Resources Institute (NWRI), and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) are in Maiduguri assessing the damage from the Alau Dam overflow. Their assessment will inform recovery efforts, but immediate efforts are focused on preventing further damage.
The Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) for this year, released in April, had already identified 31 states, including Borno, Bauchi, Jigawa, Taraba, and Yobe, as high-risk areas for flooding. Utsev emphasized the need for local authorities to act on early warnings and implement response measures without delay.
In response to ongoing flood challenges, the Presidential Committee on the Development of a Strategic Plan for Preventing Flood Disasters has taken proactive steps. President Bola Tinubu has approved ₦108 billion for distribution to all 36 states to combat recurring floods. The strategic plan includes measures to be taken before, during, and after flood events, with clear responsibilities for agencies and stakeholders.
“As we work on recovery, we must also be mindful of potential contamination of water sources. I urge everyone to take precautions to prevent waterborne diseases,” Utsev warned.
The minister concluded by urging state governments and stakeholders to take flood warnings seriously and implement effective response measures to mitigate the impact on affected citizens.
The Lagos State Police Command on Saturday confirmed the death of a 20-year-old female staff and injuries to 13 others following a gas explosion at a fast food restaurant in the Ajah area of the state.
Zagazola Makama reports that the incident occurred at about 3:00 p.m. on July 19, at No. 5 Spring Garden Estate, Orchid Road, Ajah.
According to a police sources, the restaurant, owned by one Uchechukwu Godwill Villason, was gutted by fire caused by a suspected gas leak, leading to a massive explosion and subsequent inferno.
A police source at the Lagos State Command said: “Thirteen staff members sustained varying degrees of burns during the incident and were immediately rushed to the General Hospital, Gbagada, for medical treatment.”
Tragically, one of the victims, identified as Kingsley Promise, a 20-year-old female and native of Akwa Ibom State, succumbed to her injuries while receiving treatment.
Police detectives from the division visited the scene for documentation and evidence collection. The affected hospital was also visited, where the deceased’s body and the condition of the injured victims were assessed.
The remains of the deceased have been evacuated to the Mainland General Hospital morgue, Yaba, for autopsy, while investigation into the cause of the explosion is ongoing.
The command advised business owners handling gas-powered appliances to ensure regular maintenance and safety checks to avert similar tragedies.
By: Ali Musa Biu
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday, received former President Muhammadu Buhari who was in the state to commiserate with the people and government over the 10th of September flood disaster.
Parts of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, and its surrounding local government areas were struck by a devastating flood that claimed several lives and destroyed many properties.
President Buhari who was out of the country when the flood disaster occurred earlier sent a high powered delegation to commiserate with the government and made a N20m donation to the state relief fund.
Making his remarks during the visit, Buhari said, “When this disaster happened, having been governor in Borno during my military career, I could hardly imagine such disaster. I was out of the country, all I could do was to send people to come and sympathise with you.”
In their separate remarks, Governor Zulum and the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Umar Garbai Elkanemi, expressed gratitude to the former President for the visit.
The former president was accompanied by the ex-Secretary to the federal government, Boss Mustapha, Engr. Sulaiman Adamu, Sen. Hadi Sirika, Prof. Isa Pantami, Engr. Aliyu Mamman, Garba Shehu, Emeka Nwajiuba, Musa Haro Danmadami among other associates.
By: Ali Musa Biu
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday, received former President Muhammadu Buhari who was in the state to commiserate with the people and government over the 10th of September flood disaster.
Parts of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, and its surrounding local government areas were struck by a devastating flood that claimed several lives and destroyed many properties.
President Buhari who was out of the country when the flood disaster occurred earlier sent a high powered delegation to commiserate with the government and made a N20m donation to the state relief fund.
Making his remarks during the visit, Buhari said, “When this disaster happened, having been governor in Borno during my military career, I could hardly imagine such disaster. I was out of the country, all I could do was to send people to come and sympathise with you.”
In their separate remarks, Governor Zulum and the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Umar Garbai Elkanemi, expressed gratitude to the former President for the visit.
The former president was accompanied by the ex-Secretary to the federal government, Boss Mustapha, Engr. Sulaiman Adamu, Sen. Hadi Sirika, Prof. Isa Pantami, Engr. Aliyu Mamman, Garba Shehu, Emeka Nwajiuba, Musa Haro Danmadami among other associates.
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