News
Flooding: ActionAid Nigeria Decries that Thousands of Nigeria Living Unimaginable Hardship
Flooding: ActionAid Nigeria Decries that Thousands of Nigeria Living Unimaginable Hardship
By: Michael Mike
ActionAid Nigeria has decried that thousands of families in the country are presently living through unimaginable hardship along with homes destroyed and livelihood lost.
Speaking on the recent flood incidents in parts of the country especially the devastating one in Maiduguri which left over half of the ancient city submerged in water, the Country Director of the NGO, Andrew Mamedu on Friday in Abuja said it was sad that the country is presently witnessing devastation.
Mamedu, who was represented by the Deputy Country Director at the media briefing, lamented that thousands of families in Nigeria are living through unimaginable hardship along with homes destroyed and livelihood lost.
Mamedu, while addressing the tragedy, commended the efforts of the federal and state governments for their swift response, even as he commiserated with all the affected people, and extended condolences to all affected families and various states.
The FG, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has announced funds for provision of material, rescue support and medical services.
He applauded that the government has reflected seriousness in approaching the situation, but added that they must however act with urgency.
He said: “The immediate release of those funds for implementation is essential to ensure that timely interventions reach those most in need, we cannot afford delay while thousands remain without shelter, food, and the essentials for survival. Speed is critical but also, is ensuring that this process is conducted with integrity and accountability.”
Mamedu added that, as at 12th of December 2023, NEMA records shows that the flood this year impact 28 states.
However with over 1,040,312 people in 172 local government areas, claiming 259 lives and displacing over 625,239 people and 94,491 houses destroyed also 125,805 hectares of farmland lost.
He said, this disaster cannot be overstated, it’s required immediate,unified action.
Mamedu highlighted that, in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and other regions situation is dire, communities are already grappling with poverty displacement due to conflict are now facing additional burden of flood.
Meanwhile in Maiduguri, over 37 bodies have been reported, 58 persons with severe injuries and over 389,267 persons are displaced.
However over 7,155 have also been affected in 9 LGAs while 737 farmland have been washed away.
He said: “Over 414,176 persons were utterly affected and are wandering about in search of shelter, security and hope. More than 114,000 existing internally displaced persons also have been directly affected
“Actionaid Nigeria is on ground working with local and international partners to provide immediate relief our teams have been conducting rapid needs assessments, distributing emergency food supplies, clean water hygiene kits, and other essential items to the most affected areas the needs are vast, and our resources are being stretched to the limit.
“We are most concerned about the women and children who are bearing the brunt of this disaster, especially those living in IDP camps are at the heightened risk of gender based violence and exploitation, many have lost their livelihood, pushing them into deeper poverty
“We cannot allow this crisis to undo the progress we have made in advancing woman’s right and dignity.” He added.
Flooding: ActionAid Nigeria Decries that Thousands of Nigeria Living Unimaginable Hardship
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
By: Michael Mike
As Christians begin Lent and Muslims commence Ramadan, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has urged Nigerians to use the rare overlap of the two sacred seasons to strengthen unity and reject divisive tendencies.
In a statement released on February 18, 2026, the institute described the simultaneous observance as more than a calendar coincidence, calling it a powerful symbol of shared values and collective responsibility in a nation grappling with insecurity and social strain.
IPCR said both seasons—marked by fasting, prayer and reflection—offer an opportunity for citizens to look beyond religious differences and recommit to peaceful coexistence. It stressed that the moral lessons of compassion, self-restraint and generosity embedded in Lent and Ramadan should translate into everyday interactions among Nigerians.
The institute warned against extremist narratives that distort religious teachings for narrow interests, noting that such interpretations undermine national stability. Instead, it encouraged faith leaders and communities to amplify messages that promote tolerance, dialogue and mutual respect.
According to the institute, true spirituality is measured not only by acts of worship but also by how individuals treat neighbours of different beliefs. It added that Nigeria’s diversity should be seen as a strength capable of fostering resilience rather than division.
“With both faiths engaged in solemn reflection at the same time, Nigerians are presented with a timely reminder that we share a common humanity and destiny,” the statement noted, urging citizens to work together toward a more peaceful and prosperous society.
The Director-General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, who signed the statement, extended goodwill wishes to Christians and Muslims, expressing hope that the sacred period would inspire reconciliation, understanding and renewed commitment to national unity.
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
An operative attached to a security unit in Niger State has died following an accidental discharge of a rifle at his duty post in Shiroro Local Government Area.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 10:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the operative, identified as Abubakar Iliya, 35, who was attached to a special hunters unit stationed at Galadiman-Kogo, reportedly fell from a sentry post.
During the fall, his cocked rifle disengaged and discharged, striking him in the abdomen and causing fatal injuries.
His remains were later evacuated by his unit for burial in accordance with customary rites.
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
A canoe conveying seven passengers capsized while in transit between Jata and Kami Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, leaving several persons missing.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 7:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the canoe, carrying six females and one male passenger, overturned during the journey.
The passengers were identified as Mustapher Yakubu; Sahura Yakubu and her child; Zarifa Yakubu; Mommy Yakubu; Lizatu Yakubu; Zaratu Yusuf; and Sumaiya Ibrahim, all from Jata/Bmagara via Kami Village.
Rescue teams, including police and local divers, were immediately mobilised to the scene. The boat driver and his conductor were rescued alive, while search efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining passengers.
Authorities said further updates would be provided as rescue operations continue.
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
Police neutralise two suspected kidnappers, recover rifle in Akwa Ibom
Tragedy in Plateau: Carbon monoxide exposure claims 37 lives at Wase mining site
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News10 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
