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Easter: FFS Issues Water Safety Guidelines, Barbecues Warning

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Easter: FFS Issues Water Safety Guidelines, Barbecues Warning

By: Michael Mike

The Controller General, Federal Fire Services (FFS), Engr. Abdulganiyu Jaji has issued urgent warnings regarding water safety and the risks associated with lighting barbecues as Christians celebrate Easter festival.

The CG, said with many families planning outdoor gatherings especially around the beach, they need vigilant near water bodies ( including swimming pools) and cautioned against unsafe barbecue practices that could lead to accidents or fires.

Jaji, in a statement he personally signed, advised families , especially overzealous youths to avoid lighting barbecues in areas prone to high winds or near dry vegetation, as this can quickly escalate into a fire hazard.

The Fire Service boss, who congratulated Christians on the Easter celebration, also appealed that with increased activity around pools, lakes, and beaches, swimmers are urged to stay within designated safe areas and be mindful of the potential dangers posed by cold water or strong currents.

He noted that adhering to safety precautions, including proper supervision and keeping to guidelines, are key to preventing incidents over the Easter weekend.

He said, ” It’s a fact , that Easter is a time for family fun but it’s also important to stay vigilant and keep fire safety top of your mind during the celebrations.

“While the warmer weather means that families, peer groups, will be visiting beaches, rivers and lakeside spots, but, it is also important to warn of the dangers that lurk beneath the surface

“Even when it’s a warm, sunny day, the water can still be cold enough to induce Cold Water Shock, which can seriously affect your breathing and movement.

“There may also be strong currents which can pull even the most experienced swimmers under the water. That’s why we are urging the public not to be tempted to take a dip in open water spots such as rivers and lakes, no matter how tempting they may look.

“If you fall in the water, float on your back. Easter is also a time for delicious treats, but it’s important to stay safe in the kitchen. Never leave cooking unattended. If you need to leave the kitchen while cooking – even for just a few seconds – take pans off the heat or turn them off completely.

“Be mindful of hot surfaces; keep flammable items such as oven mitts, tea towels and cables away from the cooker top.

He also urged citizens to embrace harmony and national cohesion.

Commenting on incessant fire outbreaks caused majorly by tanker fired, the FFS boss expressed his agency’s resolve to always respond further improve it’s respond time to disaster and other emergencies.

He also disclosed that the services partnership with major stakeholders was yielding results.

Easter: FFS Issues Water Safety Guidelines, Barbecues Warning

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Eid-el-Kabir Celebration: NSCDC Deploys 4,500 Personnel in Abuja

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Eid-el-Kabir Celebration: NSCDC Deploys 4,500 Personnel in Abuja

By: Michael Mike

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 4500 personnel across the nooks and crannies of the federal capital territory (FCT), Abuja ahead of the Eid- el- Kabir celebration.

The deployment was ordered by the FCT Commandant of the NSCDC, Dr. Olusola Odumosu.

He noted that the deployment is in a bid to ensure security of lives and property as well as Critical National Assets and Infrastructure in the FCT and its environs before, during and after the celebration.

He explained that the deployment of officers and men cuts across specialized departments and units such as Female Strike Force, Arms Squad, Operation Adkasu, Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI), Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Explosives(CBRNE).

He revealed that there is also massive deployment to vulnerable locations and soft targets such as Shopping Malls, Recreational Centres, prayer grounds, Markets, Motor Parks, Amusement parks, City Gate, 3 Arms Zone, government buildings and areas housing Critical National Assets and Infrastructure.

Odumosu said in a bid to ensure proactiveness and prevent emergency or unforeseen circumstances, men of our under cover unit have already been deployed for covert operations and surveillance.

Black spots like uncompleted buildings that harbour criminals are also covered to avert security breeches.

Odumosu, also gave matching orders to all Area Commanders and Divisional Officers to ensure their various Area Councils are on top of their game and ensure their presence is felt to avoid security hitches.

He said: “All hands must be on deck, I will not tolerate any form of breeches, ensure you deploy your personnel adequately”.

He charged all officers to be of good conduct and work in synergy with other security agencies and adhere strictly to the rules of engagement, avoid harassment and intimidation of any citizen as well as accidental discharge.

He assured residents of FCT of a safe celebration by ensuring a secured environment before, during and after the festivity.

Odumosu also urged residents of the FCT to be vigilant and report any suspicious movements, individual or group to any security agency near them, “my personnel are ready to ensure you have a peaceful celebration, you have a part to play too by being proactive”.

He warned criminals and vandals to stay off Critical National Assets and Infrastructure stating that NSCDC covert officers are all over the capital city and will not hesitate to bring any offender to justice.

He wished the Muslim ummah in the FCT a joyous celebration and prayed for the well being of our Nation, Nigeria.

Eid-el-Kabir Celebration: NSCDC Deploys 4,500 Personnel in Abuja

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HOMEF Sympathises with Flood Victims, Calls for Government to be Proactive

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HOMEF Sympathises with Flood Victims, Calls for Government to be Proactive

By: Michael Mike

Flooding has become a persistent nightmare in Nigeria. In 2012, floods affected 33 out of the 36 states following the rain that fell between July and October that year. The floods displaced over 2 million people, resulting in more than 400 deaths and other associated destruction. In 2018, the Benue and Niger rivers overflowed due to heavy rainfall, causing flooding in 12 states, including Kogi and Niger. Four years later, in 2022, another severe flood killed over 600 individuals, displacing more than 2 million others. The impacts of these floods have been catastrophic for communities and states.
Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) expresses sympathy for the families of the victims of the recent flood that struck Mokwa – a transit town for traders in Niger State, North Central Nigeria. It was reported that at approximately 3:00 am on Thursday, May 29, 2025, there was intense rainfall followed by a hazardous flood, which is said to have displaced over 3000 residents, destroyed properties, and claimed over 100 lives, with many individuals still unaccounted for.
While mourning this tragic loss, HOMEF emphasised that the government must take proactive measures to prevent similar or worse incidents from occurring in the future.
The Executive Director of HOMEF, Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, in his reaction to the recent flood event in Niger State, noted that communities and cities in flood-prone areas could seize to exist if nothing is done to address this menace.


“This is a horrendous recurring decimal. There is no word to describe our lack of preparedness and our ill-maintained infrastructure. Combined with insecurity and the fact that more rain is expected, the displacement problems will be compounded. There is no time for excuses. This is the time to declare an environmental state of emergency across board. This national emergency can impact our national wellbeing by leading to food scarcity, environmental degradation, mass displacement, increased poverty, water-borne diseases and exacerbate insecurity.”


Dr Bassey further responded on forecasts and early warnings from different agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). He expressed his disappointment, emphasising that these warnings become meaningless if provisions are not made to move people and settle them on safe and higher ground.
“Nigeria needs to be proactive; our government needs to have emergency preparedness and be able to relocate people when these warnings and forecasts are made, to avert the kinds of disasters we see when flooding events like this occur. We sympathise with the families affected by the floods and stand in solidarity with the communities that have been impacted.”


Stephen Oduware, Programme Manager of Fossil Politics at HOMEF, noted that flood damage continues to escalate, making recovery challenging and problematic.
“The rains are just beginning, and there are signs of more flash floods. Apart from the usual palliative measures and reactionary responses, what plans are in place to ensure that the already predicted localised heavy rainfalls do not result in the kinds of catastrophes we witness during floods? What is the Nigerian government doing to address the issues of flooding holistically? When floods occur, they leave a trail of destruction, causing damage to properties, loss of lives, livelihoods, and other socioeconomic impacts.”


HOMEF believes that flooding is both a consequence of climate change and a result of poorly planned urban areas and inadequate emergency preparedness. While the effects of climate change are widespread, many Nigerian cities and towns are also beset by the latter.


HOMEF calls for immediate measures to address the root cause of climate change, for improvement on practices that preserve natural habitats and wetlands, and investment in infrastructure that can help reduce the frequency and seriousness of flooding.


HOMEF calls on all relevant agencies to work together in a fully synchronised manner to ensure that every facet of the disaster is addressed and succour is extended to the impacted people.

HOMEF Sympathises with Flood Victims, Calls for Government to be Proactive

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Suspected bandit dies in custody after arrest in Benue, 10 others in detention

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Suspected bandit dies in custody after arrest in Benue, 10 others in detention

By: Zagazola Makama

A suspected bandit, Abu Alhaji, who was arrested during a security operation in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue, has died while receiving treatment at the Benue State Teaching Hospital, Makurdi.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the deceased was arrested on June 1, following a tip-off about the presence of armed bandits allied to the notorious gang leader, Amakaa Akwaza, popularly known as “Konyo,” at a hideout in Nagu, Katsina-Ala LGA.

“Upon receipt of the intelligence at about 1140hrs, security personnel mobilised to the location and engaged the armed bandits in a fierce gun battle.

One Abu Alhaji ‘m’ was overpowered and arrested with an AK-47 rifle loaded with 16 rounds of live ammunition. Ten other suspects believed to be working with the Konyo gang to destabilise the Sankera axis were also apprehended and taken into custody at the Operation Zenda detention facility in Makurdi.

However, police sources said that at about 0305hrs on June 3, the suspect, Abu Alhaji, developed health complications and was rushed to the Benue State Teaching Hospital where he later died while receiving treatment.

The corpse has since been deposited at the hospital’s morgue for autopsy.

The sources said investigation into the activities of the remaining suspects was ongoing.

Suspected bandit dies in custody after arrest in Benue, 10 others in detention

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