National News
TEARS FOR MY PEOPLE IN BORNO AND ANGER AT THE RAGING WATERS OF ALAU DAM

TEARS FOR MY PEOPLE IN BORNO AND ANGER AT THE RAGING WATERS OF ALAU DAM
By: Inuwa Bwala
A similar thing happened thirty years ago, precisely on the 4th of September, 1994; if I am not mistaken.
To date, nobody could give the exact number of human casualties, while the material loss was put at over a hundred million naira, conservatively.
Thirty years ago, the technology to predict such disasters were as not as sophisticated as today’s, but the media then had reported extensively of an impending flood in Maiduguri.
Long before the rains came this time around, weather forecasts point to the possibility of irregular patterns of rainfall, which could result into floods across 22 states in Nigeria.
Borno being amongst the 22 states likely to be affected by floods took some steps to avert the disaster or at least mitigate it’s effects.
Only two weeks ago, the State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum directed for the activation of all state government machineries to arrest possible disasters arising from the envisaged flood.
The Borno State Geographic Information Service, BOGIS, has been busy clearing buildings across water ways, and insisting on creating a free flow of water for the river Gadambul, which had hitherto been the source of previous floods.
But while the Government and Borno citizens were looking in another direction, the floods came from a less envisaged angle: the Alau dam, on the outskirts of the ancient city.
Reminiscent of the 4th September 1994 flood disaster in the ancient city, the floods came with the ferocity of a storm.
Most residents were caught napping as the flood creeped in while they were still sleeping.
As happened in the past, nobody may be able to give the exact number of casualties, as most families are still taking stock of their loss, at the time of writting.
Media reports indicate that over 40% of the city has been submerged by the flood, with vital facilities affected.
At the last count, the Shehu’s palace, the main cemetery at Gwange, the University of Naiduguri Teaching Hospital, the Maiduguri new Prisons, Mosques and Churches, business areas and private residences have been affected.
The Sanda Kyarimi park is not spared, with wild animals either perished or dangerously prowling in the waters.
Reports say inmates may have escaped from the Correctional facilities and definitely dead bodies in the cemetry will be washed up to the surface.
I was moved with pity as I watched the Vice President Kashim Shettima navigating through the flood to assess the situation and give assurances to people, that, the Federal Government will collaborate with the Borno State Government to provide succour.
More pitiable are the hundreds of thousands of residents, who have moved to higher grounds, or could be seen squatting by the flowing water.
Many people were not lucky to have rescued food items, clothing and beddings.
Most, if not all of them are not sure of their next meal, nor where to lay their heads.
Children could be seen clinging to the aprons and wrappers of their struggling parents, crying from hunger. The parents themselves look confused as to how to comfort the weeping kids.
Nobody knows how the situation will be like in the night, when the heavens are likely to open up again for the drowning rains.
Movements are almost impossible for rescue efforts by Governmen, as the water volume continued increasing, by the hours.
It was a situation of what the Hebrews call “balagan”.
Upto the afternoon of Tuesday, the situation did not seem to be abbating.
The Alau dam, which supplies drinking water to most parts of Maiduguri metropolis is becoming a curse, and the water the people used to drink seems to be angry with the people.
Clerics are calling for prayers, government has ordered for immediate evacuation, the Army, the Fire Service, FRSC and other aid agencies have been fully mobilized to assist in the evacuation and resettlement, while the citizen are crying that help us not coming fast enough.
Coming at a time Borno state citizens are begining to smile that life is gradually normalizing from years of displacement and disillusionment from Boko Haram insurgency, one cannot help but pity and share in the feelings of disappointment by the state Governor, Babagaba Umara Zulum.
The waters may soon recede and as happened before the hitherto dry gutters of Maiduguri shall turn to fishing ponds
TEARS FOR MY PEOPLE IN BORNO AND ANGER AT THE RAGING WATERS OF ALAU DAM
National News
Sultan of Sokoto calls for proper understanding of jihad, says Islam abhors extremism

Sultan of Sokoto calls for proper understanding of jihad, says Islam abhors extremism
By: Zagazola Makama
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has stressed the need for Nigerians to understand the true meaning of jihad, noting that it is not about violence but about striving for excellence in all spheres of life.
The Sultan stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the public presentation of “Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum,” a book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.).
He cautioned against misinterpretations of Islamic concepts, saying extremists and uninformed commentators had for decades wrongly associated jihad with terrorism and violence against non-Muslims.
“Jihad simply means striving — striving to be a better Muslim, a better Christian, a better citizen, and a better human being. It is not about killing anyone. Islam abhors extremism, and no true Muslim can claim to follow the teachings of the Prophet while embracing violence,” the Sultan said.
He explained that Islam, properly understood, promotes peaceful coexistence and good governance, adding that Islamic teachings have over the years helped shape Nigeria’s democratic journey by emphasising justice, accountability, and leadership responsibility.
According to him, Islamic institutions such as mosques, scholars, and traditional councils continue to play a stabilising role in the country by mediating conflicts, guiding leaders, and educating citizens on tolerance and civic duties.
“Islam is not about seizing power; it is about ensuring good governance and accountability in society. Our democracy has benefitted from these values because justice and fairness are principles rooted both in the Qur’an and in democratic practice,” he said.
The Sultan also called for stronger interfaith dialogue, stressing that Nigeria’s unity depends on mutual understanding between Christians and Muslims.
“If I know who you are, and you know who I am, we can live in peace. Understanding one another is the foundation for national security and stability,” he added.
He commended Gen. Irabor for writing the book, describing it as a timely resource that not only documents the scars of insurgency but also provides insights for policy, governance, and national healing.
The launch attracted dignitaries including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, the Minister of Defence, service chiefs, traditional rulers, senior military officers, and members of the diplomatic corps.
Sultan of Sokoto calls for proper understanding of jihad, says Islam abhors extremism
National News
Jonathan says Boko Haram insurgency too complex, calls for holistic solutions

Jonathan says Boko Haram insurgency too complex, calls for holistic solutions
By Hamza Suleiman
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that the Boko Haram insurgency remains one of the most complex and enduring security challenges in Nigeria’s history, warning that military action alone cannot end the crisis.
Jonathan stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the public presentation of Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd).
He said that unlike previous crises in Nigeria such as the Niger Delta militancy and ethno-religious violence, the Boko Haram insurgency carried deeper scars because of its external connections, extremist ideology, and advanced weaponry.
“Boko Haram is more complex than what many people imagine. At some point, their fighters had more ammunition than our soldiers, which clearly showed that external groups were deeply involved,” Jonathan said.
The former President noted that the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2014 remained one of the most painful scars of his administration, stressing that no form of cosmetic remedy could erase it from the nation’s collective memory.
He recalled his personal engagement with Niger Delta militants as Vice President, saying that his decision to personally visit their camps without armed escorts was borne out of the conviction that dialogue must complement military action.
“In the Niger Delta, I met the militants in their camps. We succeeded in restoring peace not only because of military action but because we engaged them, listened to them, and created opportunities for their communities. That approach worked,” he said.
Jonathan, however, emphasised that Boko Haram presented a different challenge. According to him, the insurgency must be tackled through a holistic strategy that combines security operations with good governance, poverty reduction, youth empowerment, and social justice.
He said: “We cannot treat Boko Haram simply as a law-and-order problem. It is rooted in poverty, exclusion, and broken dreams. Only a comprehensive approach will deliver lasting peace.”
According to him, Nigeria must adopt a similar approach to Boko Haram by tackling poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion in communities vulnerable to extremist recruitment.
He commended Gen. Irabor for documenting his reflections, saying the book would enrich national understanding of insurgency and guide future leaders in shaping policy responses.
“Those who were directly involved must tell their stories. This book will help the nation understand what really happened, what lessons we must learn, and how we can do better in the future,” he added.
The event attracted dignitaries including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former National Security Adviser Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd.), service chiefs, ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, and traditional rulers.
Jonathan says Boko Haram insurgency too complex, calls for holistic solutions
National News
Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA

Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA
The National Orientation Agency (NOA), on Wednesday said that the Federal Government’s programmes and policies under President Bola Tinubu-led administration were improving the welfare of Nigerians.
Mrs Adaline Patari, the State Director of NOA, Gombe State office, stated this shortly after a road show to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day anniversary in Gombe.
Patari said that programmes and policies of Tinubu-led administration had supported many Nigerians from the student’s loan to conditional cash transfer to support to small businesses amongst others.
She stated that the initiatives by the present administration had restored hope and put the country amongst serious countries pursuing better reforms to improve their economy while revamping infrastructure.
According to her, many undergraduates benefitting from the student’s loan scheme which has removed all financial hindrances impeding access to tertiary education now feel a sense of belonging.
She said that the programmes and policies of the Federal Government have benefitted many households and improved their welfare in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.
“The reforms of the Federal Government are working and many persons are proud to be Nigerians and more persons are now trying to do the right things as Nigerians.
“People are beginning to see themselves as proud Nigerians and that confidence of being a Nigerian is being restored.
“Today, many Nigerians are benefitting from the programmes of the current administration, this means that the country is now working for them,” she said.
While acknowledging that there were still challenges that needed to be addressed, Patari said, at 65, we have made tremendous progress especially working together in peace and unity.
She urged Nigerians to continue to support Tinubu administration’s programmes towards building a better country that works for all Nigerians.
The state director said that with the necessary reforms being carried out and already yielding results in the economic, agriculture, security and other sectors, more Nigerians would be prouder to be Nigerians in the future.
“Today, the country is progressing and we are united; we are now prouder to be Nigerians and I can tell you that the labour of our heroes past, indeed is never in vain,” she added.
Commending the contributions of youths to national development, Patari urged them to have a positive mind-set towards Nigeria and to always express optimism of a better Nigeria for everyone.
Patari also lauded the renewed strength with which NOA under the Director General of the agency, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu was being driven.
She said that government’s policies and programmes were getting more supports from Nigerians because of the constant engagements of Nigerians by the NOA nationwide.
The event also featured sensitisation of residents on Federal Government’s policies, programmes and the need for the people to support the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda
Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA
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