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Zulum Activates Gov’t Machinery to Avert Flood Disaster in Borno

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Zulum Activates Gov’t Machinery to Avert Flood Disaster in Borno

… Borno SSG to Coordinate Emergency Response

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has directed the immediate activation of all relevant government resources and machinery ahead of any possible overflow of water due to the unprecedented high volume of rainfall this year, to avert any flood disaster in Maiduguri, it’s environs and other parts of the state.

Zulum’s directive, released in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on New Media, Abdurrahman Ahmed Bundi, became imperative due to rising concerns about the possible overflow of the Alau Dam, which recharges Maiduguri city’s water treatment plants for domestic use and irrigation.

The Governor noted with concern that the high volume of rain across parts of the state may possibly lead to flooding.

Zulum consequently instructed all relevant government agencies and local councils to dutifully discharge their responsibilities by continuously assessing vulnerable areas, implementing preventive measures, and conducting public awareness campaigns across all communities in their domains.

The Governor also cautioned the public to be conscious about the possible risks, be vigilant and abide by all directives from government agencies and constituted authorities on all emergency response protocols.

The Governor directed that all local government councils should mobilise all relevant officials and units to conduct site assessments in at-risk neighbourhoods and collaborate with relevant Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Community-Based Organisations (CBOs), community and religious leaders, and other opinion leaders and institutions.

He said that government has identified high-risk locations that are prone to flooding, and is implementing solutions such as constructing temporary barriers and establishing emergency evacuation routes.

“We cannot afford to be complacent in the face of this impending challenge”, Zulum was quoted as saying. “It is imperative that we should mobilize all our resources, engage all stakeholders across communities, and implement effective measures to safeguard our people.”

“We have a standing committee to mitigate flooding; which, has in the past evacuated and led to the construction of more drainages in different parts of the state. I have instructed more measures to avert any emergency health epidemic. We have also established the Agency for the Great Green Wall.”

“We have also desilted, dredged and constructed concrete retaining walls around River Ngada to avert erosion that could possibly lead to flooding of Maiduguri and its environs.”

“As part of the long-term measure, we intend to construct structures to harvest water for irrigation and embark on soil conservation, including reinforcement at the river banks and desilting of river Ngada to allow free passage of water.”

… Borno SSG to Coordinate Emergency Response

Meanwhile, the Secretary to the Borno State Government, Alhaji Bukar Tijani, is coordinating the flood emergency responses to ensure the Governor’s directives are fully implemented to ensure the safety of all residents.

The SSG has visited Alau Dam, Gongulong, Gwange, Farm Center, 505 Housing Estate and several other locations within the metropolis and environs to assess the situation and provide the necessary guidance to avert collosal damage from any possible flooding.

Many Nigerian states, including in the North-east have experienced flood disasters this year, which have been attributed to the unprecedented volume of rainfall this season.

Zulum Activates Gov’t Machinery to Avert Flood Disaster in Borno

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Immigration Comptroller General Advises Personnel on Excellent Service to Clients

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Immigration Comptroller General Advises Personnel on Excellent Service to Clients

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has charged personnel of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to continue to offer excellent services to its clients, declaring that efficient customer service is a right and not a privilege.

Comptroller General of the Immigration Service (CGIS), Kemi Nandap, gave the charge in Abuja when she declared open the 2025 SERVICOM Customer Service Week.

She assured that the Service is on an irreversible path of reform, modernization and improved transparency in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The CGIS noted that the week-long event, themed “Mission Possible” with the NIS sub-theme “Meeting and Exceeding Expectations”, was an opportunity for officers to recommit themselves to the principles of courtesy, timeliness and citizens-centered service delivery.

She said: “The Nigeria Immigration Service must not only meet expectations but exceed them. Every passport issued, every permit processed, every encounter at our borders is a test of our professionalism and integrity. We must continue to build public trust and prove that we are a Service that delivers”, the CGIS declared.

She noted that on assuming office in 2024, she raised concerns over negative practices that dented the Service’s image and challenged officers to “go back to the drawing board.”

Nandap said that directive resulted in far-reaching reforms, including the passport automation and contactless processing system, designed to minimize physical interaction and eliminate bottlenecks.

She highlighted that: “Others are the deployment of e-gates and body cameras at airports, enhancing border security while promoting transparency; Intensified sensitization campaigns across formations to combat corruption and entrench professionalism.

“These reforms are already paying off,” she noted, citing improved national ratings, commendations and awards recently received by the NIS at government performance review retreats.

Nandap however urged NIS personnel nationwide to use the 2025 Customer Service Week as an opportunity to recommit themselves to exceeding public expectations, charging officers to uphold the Service’s reputation at all times.

She added that: “This celebration is not for fanfare. It is a solemn call to renew our pledge of service and to institutionalize transparency, courtesy and excellence as our standard culture.”

Earlier, Special Assistant to the CGIS on SERVICOM and Reform Champion, Barr. Muhammad Awwal Abubakar, a deputy comptroller of immigration, described the Customer Service Week as “a call to reflection, action and renewal.”

He emphasized that the global theme “Mission Possible” challenges public institutions to see obstacles as opportunities for innovation rather than excuses for inefficiency.

“Customer service is not a privilege given by government institutions but a right owed to the people. Our duty is to ensure that every interaction with the NIS leaves citizens and travelers with confidence in our integrity and efficiency”, Abubakar said.

The 2025 NIS SERVICOM Customer Service Week will feature activities across commands and formations nationwide, highlighting innovation, best practices and the Service’s ongoing transformation agenda.

Immigration Comptroller General Advises Personnel on Excellent Service to Clients

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Herdsman, 36 cows shot dead in fresh unprovoked attack in Plateau

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Herdsman, 36 cows shot dead in fresh unprovoked attack in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

A herdsman has been killed and 36 cows shot dead by unknown assailants in a fresh attack at Ndinn village, Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Zagazola Makama report that the incident, which occurred on Monday evening, is the latest undocumented violent attacks that have continued to claim lives and property in parts of the state.

Witnesses said the attackers ambushed the herder, identified as Abubakar Alhaji Woda, while he was grazing his cattle, and shot him dead before opening fire on his herd, killing 36 cows on the spot.

Residents described the attack as unprovoked and expressed concern over the growing wave of insecurity in rural parts of Barkin Ladi and neighbouring local government areas.

They lamented that despite several similar attacks in recent weeks, no arrests have been made, and the perpetrators continue to operate with impunity.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the FUYODA Riyom chapter coordinator, Muhammad Saidu, described the attack as “a heartbreaking reminder of the persistent insecurity and injustice faced by peaceful Fulani communities in Plateau.”

“We strongly condemn this act of violence and call on the relevant authorities to ensure that justice is served,” Saidu said.

He prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and called on the government to take decisive steps to restore confidence among pastoral communities who continue to suffer silent losses in the ongoing communal crisis.

“May Almighty Allah grant Abubakar Alhaji Woda Jannatul Firdaus, forgive his shortcomings, and comfort his family with patience and strength during this difficult time,” he added.

However, as of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the Plateau State Government or security agencies regarding the attack.

Zagazola report that the recurring cycle of violence in Plateau State has often been reported only from the angle of reprisals, while several attacks on herders go undocumented or receive limited attention.

Community leaders have called on security operatives to fish out the perpetrators and ensure justice is served to prevent further escalation of hostilities in the area.

Herdsman, 36 cows shot dead in fresh unprovoked attack in Plateau

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Fact-finding committee says all ethnic groups involved in Plateau crisis

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Fact-finding committee says all ethnic groups involved in Plateau crisis

By: Zagazola Makama

Maj.-Gen. Rogers Ibe Nicholas (rtd), Chairman of the Fact-Finding Committee on Insecurity in Plateau State, says the crisis in the state involves both indigenes and non-indigenes across all ethnic and religious divides.

Nicholas, a former Commander of Operation Safe Haven, made this known while reacting to reports that the committee’s findings had indicted Fulani herdsmen as the aggressors in the prolonged conflict.

He clarified that the committee’s report, submitted last month to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, did not attribute blame to any single ethnic group, stressing that the violence in Plateau was a multi-dimensional problem involving various communities.

“The committee was set up by the state government to make findings and recommendations, which have been submitted to the government. The document is still classified until a white paper is issued,” Nicholas said.

He explained that during the committee’s engagements with community leaders across the state, it became evident that all sides had suffered and contributed to the cycle of violence.

“I think people need to be corrected based on the statement that Fulani are the ones causing the problem. The report did not say that,” he stated.

“While we are clear, everybody — all the ethnic groups in Plateau — are in one way or another involved in the crisis. In some areas, fingers have been pointed at particular groups, but our findings show that every community has played a part,” Nicholas added.

He further noted that many of the attacks in the state were reprisals triggered by earlier assaults, which often led to further bloodshed and destruction of property.

Nicholas maintained that the committee’s recommendations, once made public, would help guide the government in addressing the root causes of the conflict and fostering lasting peace in the state.

Fact-finding committee says all ethnic groups involved in Plateau crisis

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