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Yobe: Over 10,000 houses destroyed by flood in Yusufari
Yobe: Over 10,000 houses destroyed by flood in Yusufari
By: Yahaya Wakili
The Chairman of the Assessment Committee of flood victims in Yusufari local government area of Yobe state, Malam Baba Alkali, has said so far over 10,000 houses were completely collapsed by the floodwaters in the local government area.
He said the flood has affected almost all parts of the local government, and the chairman of the local government council has constituted a 15-man committee under me to go round all the local government to assess the level of the damage caused by the flood disaster.
Malam Baba Alkali disclosed this to newsmen in Yusufari, the headquarters of the local government. He said the committee comprises civil servants, politicians, and security agents, and the reference of the committee is to go round all the local government and assess the damage.
“We have 10 wards in the local government, and in each ward at least we have identified over 1,000 houses that were collapsed; no lives were lost, but many people sustained injuries, farmlands, and properties worth millions of naira were destroyed, he said.
He said we also constituted a committee that included the security agents and the vice chairman. They go around and identify 28 households that are in critical condition and need emergency attention. The committee assists them with some amount, and we do this out of the money that the chairman releases to us for the work of our committee.
Malam Baba Alkali revealed that even the Emir of Yusufari, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Muhammad Ibn Zannah Zakaria, visited some villages and saw things by himself and sympathized with them.
Alkali maintained that people continue giving us donations, like our distinguished Senator, Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan Ph.D., GCON donates ten million naira, and Member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tijjani Zannah Zakaria. Five million naira, Member Yobe State House of Assembly, Hon. Hassan Muhammed, two million naira, and Hon. Commissioner of Health, Dr. Lawan Gana One million naira, respectively.
Therefore, we are appealing to the people that the door of the donation is still open and calls on individuals, politicians, and well-meaning people to assist the people of Yusufari local government.
Yobe: Over 10,000 houses destroyed by flood in Yusufari
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
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