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States on high alert as Adamawa flood death toll rises

Published

8 months ago

July 28, 2025

Following the devastating flood that swept through parts of Adamawa State on Sunday, leaving dozens — many of them children — missing and hundreds displaced, other states across the country are scrambling to avert a similar catastrophe.

With floodwaters wreaking havoc in communities like Shagari Low Cost and Yolde Pate in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, the disaster has triggered widespread emergency response efforts nationwide. From Anambra and Sokoto to Gombe, Edo, Ogun, Bayelsa, and beyond, state governments are activating flood preparedness plans, clearing drainage channels, assessing dam stability, and intensifying public sensitisation campaigns as warnings from meteorological agencies signal a potentially severe flood season ahead.

The PUNCH learnt the torrential rain began around 1am and intensified through the early hours. By 3am, homes in the Shagari and Sabon Pegi areas were already collapsing as floodwaters surged through streets and into buildings.

Initial reports claimed two people died from the disaster with dozens of unconfirmed number of people, especially children, declared missing following the over six hours of downpour in parts.

Over 600 houses were washed away, according to some of the victims, who narrowly escaped death but were still searching for their family members.

As at the time of filing this report, reports indicate that at least eight people have been found dead.

According to HumAngle, a media platform committed to coverage of Africa’s conflict, humanitarian, and development issues, two children were swept away in Sapon Pegi. The victims bodies were recovered by the National Emergency Management Agency.

In Ibunu Abbas community, also known as Yola bypass, locals said NEMA officials pulled out six dead bodies, four of the bodies men who were said to be workers in a bakery while the other two were children found alongside a drainage system.

The bodies have been deposited at the morgue in the Moddibo Adamawa Teaching Hospital, Yola.

A tearful Abubakar Adamu, a resident of Sabon Pegi, said, “Many lives were lost, especially children. We’re still trying to confirm the exact number of casualties in this ugly disaster.”

When The PUNCH sought confirmation of the death toll, the PPRO, Adamawa State Police Command, SP Suleiman Nguroje, said he could not give a definite number, adding that efforts were still ongoing to rescue more residents of the affected areas.

“The Adamawa State Police Command’s operatives deployed to the affected areas are still searching and rescuing the victims of the flooding,” Nguroje said.

“As law enforcement officers, we stand with full strength and solidarity with the affected communities during this difficult time.”

Following the devastating flooding in Mokwa that claimed several lives, NEMA last month deployed officials to 15 high-risk states, including Adamawa, to intensify public awareness on the looming flood threats and the urgent need for residents in vulnerable areas to relocate.

Just last week, the Executive Secretary of the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency, Dr. Celine Laori, issued a fresh warning to residents living in low-lying communities, urging them to move to higher ground to avoid loss of lives as flooding risks escalate.

Anambra constitutes committee

Ahead of the looming flood threats, Anambra State Government expressed its preparedness to respond effectively and strategically to flood-related emergencies by taking precautionary measures across the state to avert any disaster.

The state’s Commissioner for Environment, Dr Felix Odimegwu, made this known in an interview with our correspondent on Sunday, stating that the state government had embarked on a campaign and sensitisation, in response to early warnings from NiMET indicating that Anambra was among the states at high risk of flooding during the rainy season.

Odimegwu said Governor Chukwuma Soludo had shown great concern to flood devastations in the state in the last three years and as a result, has constituted committees headed by the Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachi Ibezim.

According to him, the committees constitute officials of the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Information, Ministry of Education, local government chairmen, and the State Emergency Management Agency.

“The reason for constituting the committees is for us to strategise and put measures in place ahead of this year’s flooding, in case it occurs. The committees were formed since 2022 when flood devastated about nine local government areas of the state.

“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 sensitised 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.”

According to him, drainages and reservoirs such as Nkissi Reservoir in Onitsha, Ogboji Reservoir in Ogboji and Okpuru Okwor-Ngbo Reservoir have been upgraded to hold more flood waters.

One of our correspondents also gathered that officials of the National Emergency Management Agency, have embarked on sensitisation programme in two flood-prone local government areas: Anambra East and Ogbaru, as part of measures to prepare the people ahead of the 2025 flood.

Eight local government areas of the state namely, Anambra East, Anambra West, Ayamelum, Ogbaru, Idemili South, Awka North, Ihiala and Ekwusigo, are usually affected by the annual flood disaster.

Inspection in Edo

The Executive Director/CEO of the Edo State Flood, Erosion and Watershed Management Agency, Ahmed Momoh, said the government, through the agency, had fared well in the management of flood in the state after NiMET’s geria warning earlier in the year.

He said, “In a renewed effort to tackle the persistent challenge of erosion and flooding in Edo State, we embarked on a strategic inspection tour across critical gully erosion sites in Edo North. The visit underscores the agency’s unwavering commitment to identifying and addressing environmental degradation, especially in erosion-prone areas.

He said the agency was desilting drains and water passages in the state to reduce the effect of flooding.

He said, “FEWMA got approval from Governor Monday Okpebholo to desilt our drainages and water passages which has not been done as more rain this year in some states including Edo.

“We have desilted and freed drainages of debris and opened the way for water to flow and that will reduce the flooding.

“We are also looking at other measures that will curtail flooding and save Edo people who suffer from the devastating effect of the flood.

“There are camps already set up to relocate residents in highly flood prone areas like Ilushi, Udaba, Aghenebode, as a result of the River Niger overflowing.

“SEMA Edo State has arrangements to ensure that residents are also taken care of. The state government has already put up all the machinery to ameliorate the effect of flooding in the state.”

Bayelsa prepares buffers

Also, the Bayelsa State Government says it has prepared buffers against the anticipated flooding by carrying out the clearing of natural water channels in the capital, Yenagoa, and other parts of the state.

Bayelsa, lying six feet below sea level, is also the flood plain of Nigeria as both the Niger and Benue channel their waters into the Atlantic Ocean through the riverine state.

It has no dams and there are no permanent IDP camps as well as higher grounds hence any huge flood affects nearly all the local government areas of the state except the areas close to the Atlantic Ocean.

Bayelsa has established a flooding break for both public and private schools across the state and the vacated public schools are used as IDP camps for those displaced by floods.

Head, Bayelsa State Directorate of Flood and Erosion Control, Walson Omusu, while reacting to the heavy rainfall on Sunday, said the state was prepared to ensure there was no devastating effects from flooding this year and beyond.

Due to the devastation caused by the 2012 floods, then governor, Senator Seriake Dickson, directed that all future public roads should be raised by another 12 inches.

After the 2022 floods that caused destruction, current governor, Senator Douye Diri, set up the Directorate of Flood and Erosion Control to mitigate the effects of flooding in the state.

And, Omusu, the pioneer head of the Bayelsa State Directorate of Flood and Erosion Control said, “We are ready. We are always ready.”

Omusu said the agency had carried out massive clearing of natural water channels in Yenagoa and other areas in a bid to reduce the impact of this year’s flood.

Sokoto LGs assessment

In the wake of recent heavy rains that triggered severe flooding across parts of Sokoto State, SEMA, in collaboration with NEMA, has embarked on a joint impact assessments in the worst-hit local government areas: Yabo, Shagari, and Tureta.

In Yabo town, the joint team visited several flood-ravaged areas, including Shiyar Hegin-Rafi, Shiyar Sarkin Fawa, Shiyar Ubandoma, Shiyar Ubandawaki (Garkar Audu), and Kofar-bai.

At Shiyar Sarkin Fawa, six apartments belonging to Malam Rufa’i Bala were completely destroyed. In Shiyar Ubandawaki, two rooms belonging to Balan-Bawa Dankande suffered heavy damage, while five rooms owned by Malam Sabo Maikaji at Hegin Sarkin Fawa were affected.

One of the worst-hit families is that of Muhammadu Dan Nanuwa at Garkar Audu, where six of the eight rooms in their compound were washed away.

Similarly, at Kofar-bai, the 89-year-old Malam Bango Altine lost five rooms to the flood, leaving six family members temporarily sheltered by neighbors.

The residence of the Sarkin-Kabin Yabo also had its roof and ceiling severely damaged.

Also the flood in Shagari LGA, which occurred on July 24, impacted more than ten communities, including Lambara, Kambama, Mazoji, Jaredi, Shagari Town, Kajiji, Lokoko, Sanyin-Lawan, and Karoga.

Led by the Local Government Desk Officer, Ibrahim Abubakar, the assessment team reported widespread damage to houses and farmlands. In Illela-Chofal, a large expanse of farmland in Fadamar-Kangi was found to be completely submerged.

The situation in Tureta LG was equally devastating, with over 250 Internally Displaced Persons affected. Led by the Chairman of Tureta LG, Aliyu Abubakar, the assessment covered communities such as Inwala, Shiyar DanDile, and Lambar-Tureta.

The flood, which struck on July 23 and 25, destroyed numerous homes, including the residence of Federal Road Safety Corps officer Salisu Muhammad while two women sustained injuries from a wall collapse, though no fatalities were reported.

At Ala community, a house belonging to Malam Shehu Ala was completely destroyed by the July 23 flood. Preliminary findings identified poor drainage as a key factor behind the flooding in Lambar-Tureta.

Meanwhile, authorities from both SEMA and NEMA say detailed damage reports are being compiled to inform relief interventions and long-term mitigation efforts. Temporary shelters have already been provided in some affected communities, especially for displaced families and IDPs.

The agencies reiterated their commitment to supporting flood victims and working with local councils to prevent future disasters through improved urban planning and drainage infrastructure.

Imo prepare

Also, the Imo State Government, through the Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr Chika Abazu, held a flood preparedness planning committee meeting with representatives of key disaster management agencies.

Head of NEMA in Imo State, Nnamdi Igwe, said they resolved to form technical sub-committees to handle various components of the preparedness plan, such as logistics, health and sanitation, risk communication, and evacuation planning.

Igwe said key resolutions and action plans from the meeting are to immediately “begin a coordinated public awareness campaign in high-risk LGs, conduct joint assessment in identifying flood-prone areas in communities, preposition emergency supplies and resources across the state, activate Local Emergency Management Committees and ensure regular reporting, and that each intervention agency to submit a tailored contingency plan for harmonisation into the state’s master flood response plan.”

Those at the meeting were representatives from NEMA, Imo SEMA, Imo State Ministries of Environment and Health, National Orientation Agency, Nigerian Red Cross Society, National Inland Waterways Authority, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, Local Government Emergency Officers, traditional leaders, and community-based organisations

NEMA had held sensitisation workshop in Owerri with other agencies, including the Federal Fire Service, who have trained divers to rescue trapped people in floods.

Ogun statewide sensitisation

The Ogun SEMA has begun campaign across the state to avert flooding. This move, according to a statement on Sunday, is in response to mitigating against flooding as recently predicted by NiMET.

Some of the places visited include Kuto, Amolasho, Gbangba and other locations in Abeokuta South Local Government Area.

Speaking during the sensitisation tour, acting Director, Ogun SEMA, Soji Durojaye, urged residents to take proactive measures against flooding, saying flood-prone communities in the state should be on alert.

Durojaye emphasised that government was committed to safeguarding lives and property, but residents must also play their part by adhering strictly to safety guidelines.

He said, “Indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drainage channels and illegal construction on waterways remain major causes of flooding, I am therefore appealing to community leaders and residents to help spread the message of environmental responsibility.

“NIMET had predicted heavy rainfall for the year, which could lead to flash floods in some areas, so, as residents, especially those living in flood-prone areas, we are to be vigilant and to consider relocating temporarily if the need arises.”

Durojaye also stressed the need for clearing blocked drainages and planting trees to reduce soil erosion.

He explained that flooding was not only caused by excessive rainfall but also by poor environmental practices adding that “if every household ensures proper waste disposal and clear their surroundings, the impact of flooding will be greatly reduced.”

While assuring residents of the government’s readiness to respond swiftly to emergencies, the OGSEMA director disclosed that emergency response teams had been placed on alert across the 20 Local Government Areas of the state.

He encouraged residents to report early signs of flooding or erosion to the agency through its dedicated emergency hotline, 112.

n their separate responses, a trader at Kuto, Mrs. Adetutu Mustapha and a resident of Amolasho, Mr. Samuel Adegboyega, appreciated the initiative and promised to adhere to the warnings.

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News

Tinubu holds security meeting with service chiefs, IG

Published

8 hours ago

March 12, 2026

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President Bola Tinubu on Thursday convened a nearly two-hour security meeting with service chiefs at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, marking the first of such gathering since Tunji Disu assumed office as Inspector-General of Police.

Our correspondent observed that the security chiefs, who arrived at the Villa without their usual official vehicles, making identification difficult, departed the premises at approximately 5:10pm after extensive deliberations with the President.

The service chiefs and the IG were identified by our correspondent as they left the forecourt following the closed-door meeting.

The session comes amid heightened security concerns across the country, particularly the recent killings of military commanding officers in various theatres of operation.

In the past week alone, the military lost at least three commanding officers in charge of forward operating bases following a surge in attacks on security formations and personnel, especially in the North-East where Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province insurgents have intensified assaults on military positions.

Notable among recent incidents was the attack on Ngoshe in Borno State, which resulted in abductions, as well as separate assaults on Konduga, Marte, Jakana, and Mainok, all in Borno State.

The attacks prompted responses from both President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, who vowed to deploy overwhelming force to end the insurgency.

During an Iftar dinner with service chiefs on March 6, President Tinubu had assured the military of his administration’s commitment to defeating terrorism despite the Borno attacks.

“Nigeria will defeat terrorism despite these attacks. We will not bow to insurgents,” the President had stated.

Vice President Shettima, in a statement signed by his spokesman Stanley Nkwocha, declared that the administration would end the insurgency with overwhelming force.

The Thursday security meeting is Disu’s first formal engagement with the President and service chiefs since his appointment as IGP on February 28, 2026, following the resignation of his predecessor.

As of the time of filing this report, details of the discussions at the security meeting had not been disclosed to the media.

However, PUNCH Online understands the meeting likely addressed the recent spike in attacks on security personnel, vulnerable communities in the North-East, and coordination among security agencies.

In a separate development, President Tinubu on Thursday summoned the Director-General of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Dr Olubunmi Kuku, for the second time in one week.

Our correspondent spotted the FAAN DG entering the Villa premises while the security meeting with service chiefs was still in session on Thursday afternoon.

The summons comes barely a week after the President suspended the cashless payment system at airport toll gates nationwide following widespread gridlock that caused passengers to miss flights.

On Wednesday, March 5, Kuku had met with the President hours after the suspension was announced, arriving at the Villa at approximately 5:45pm in the company of the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, had announced after the Federal Executive Council meeting that President Tinubu directed the immediate suspension of the cashless system following complaints about traffic congestion at Lagos and Abuja airports.

“Mr. President was very concerned about the welfare of Nigerians and the fact that most Nigerians were losing their flights, missing their flights.

“So Mr. President, out of empathy, directed today that we should suspend the present system because it creates a lot of gridlock,” Keyamo had stated.

The President directed the ministry to engage private sector participants to develop a more efficient payment system that eliminates cash without causing gridlock.

Thursday’s meeting with the FAAN DG may be connected to progress on implementing the hybrid system that allows both cash payments and prepaid cards while a permanent solution is developed.

FAAN, as the operator of toll gates and collection points at airports nationwide, is central to implementing any revised payment system.

The cashless system was designed to replace a cash collection practice of over 50 years that had been prone to fraud and under-remittance of revenues to the federal government.

As of the time of filing this report, the FAAN DG was still at the President’s office.

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NiMet lists Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi as high-risk states for meningitis

Published

9 hours ago

March 12, 2026

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The Nigeria Meteorological Agency has issued a public health alert warning residents of several northern states about the heightened risk of Cerebrospinal Meningitis.

NiMET issued the warning in a statement on its official X account on Thursday, highlighting the need for vigilance and prompt action to prevent the spread of the potentially life-threatening infection.

According to NiMET, Cerebrospinal Meningitis is a serious infection affecting the brain and spinal cord, commonly caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis.

It spreads through respiratory droplets, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated places.

The agency further noted that the disease can progress rapidly and may become life-threatening within hours if untreated.

However, early diagnosis and prompt antibiotic treatment greatly improve survival and reduce complications.

The alert categorised states by risk levels, with the highest risk observed in Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Yobe, and Borno.

Residents of central states were advised to exercise moderate vigilance, while Plateau, Oyo, Cross River, Edo, Ekiti, and Enugu were considered low vigilance areas.

NiMET also highlighted the groups most vulnerable to the infection, explaining that “children and young adults, people living in overcrowded settings, individuals exposed to dry, dusty environments, and persons with weakened immune systems are at higher risk.”

The agency emphasised early recognition of symptoms as key to preventing fatalities, listing sudden high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, nausea or vomiting, and sensitivity to light as warning signs.

To reduce the risk of infection, NiMET encouraged the public to “Get vaccinated, practice good hygiene, avoid overcrowding, and seek early medical care. Vaccination, it said, is one of the most effective ways to prevent meningitis.

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UK announces road closures, no-fly zones for Tinubu’s state visit

Published

9 hours ago

March 12, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

Britain will impose airspace restrictions and deploy armed police officers in Windsor next week as President Bola Tinubu arrives for a state visit hosted by King Charles III.

Tinubu is expected to begin the visit in the company of his wife Oluremi Tinubu on Wednesday, March 18, with a reception at Windsor Castle.

Thames Valley Police in a statement on its website on Wednesday, said it is working with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, the Royal Household and other security partners.

The force said airspace restrictions over Windsor Castle, which are in place permanently throughout the year, would be extended on Wednesday, March 18, to cover the period from 7am to 11.59pm.

Chief Superintendent Adrian Hall of Thames Valley Police’s Joint Operations Unit said the air restrictions formed part of a broader security operation for the visit.

“The air restrictions are just one part of our robust security operation for the state visit of Nigerian President Tinubu next week, with many measures you will see and others you will not..

“As a force, we have a vast amount of experience in policing Royal events in Windsor and significant planning, and preparation has gone into this event,” Hall said.

He said the force would take a strong stance in enforcing the restrictions, warning that any breach would constitute a criminal offence under the Air Navigation Order and could lead to arrest.

“We will be taking a strong stance in enforcing the restrictions; anyone who breaches them will be committing a criminal offence under the Air Navigation Order and could be arrested.”

The police chief said officers with specialist capabilities, including search teams, the Mounted Section, road policing, and armed units, would be deployed across Windsor, alongside neighbourhood policing and Project Servator resources.

“We will also be deploying numerous police officers to Windsor with specialist capabilities, including our search teams, Mounted Section, Roads Policing and armed units, while our neighbourhood and Project Servator resources will also be on the ground engaging with the public,” he said.

The authorities will also deploy an extensive closed-circuit television network, hostile vehicle mitigation barriers, and other undisclosed security measures for the event.

Hall said, “We will also be using the extensive CCTV network in Windsor, Hostile Vehicle Mitigation barriers, and many other security measures that you may not be able to see to make sure the event runs safely.”

He urged members of the public to support the security operation by remaining vigilant.

“The public plays a critical role to support us so we encourage them to report any suspicious activity or anything that does not seem quite right by calling 101 or speaking to one of our officers. If there is an immediate threat or emergency, then call 999,” Hall added.

Road closures and parking restrictions will take effect from Tuesday, March 17, with possible temporary disruption to roads in and around Windsor during the visit.

Thames Valley Police said it was being supported by the Civil Aviation Authority and National Air Traffic Services to enforce the flight restrictions. Persons with legitimate reasons for drone flying were directed to email TVPAirspaceRequests@thamesvalley.police.uk.

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