The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • How we escaped extremist group’s deadly invasion of Kwara community—Survivors

    How we escaped extremist group’s deadly invasion of Kwara community—Survivors

    • Recall how agents of death dispatched more than 100 residents into early graves
    • How ex-students’ union leader, brother were killed in deadly attack
    • Community battles post-attack trauma
    • 50 survivors hospitalised

    State of Harmony is how the sobriquet for Kwara goes. But in recent times, the harmony has been intermittently disrupted in parts of the state by non-state actors, including terrorists, kidnappers and bandits, among other anti-social elements.

    Before now, the hotbeds of the goons were restricted to Isin, Ifelodun, Ekiti and Oke-Ero local government areas in Kwara South as well as Edu, Patigi in Kwara North. The terrorists use the massive forest that links Kwara North and South as hideout to unleash deadly attacks on the affected communities.

    Thankfully, in the last three weeks, with a combined military operations deployed by the Federal Government, the activities of the bandits had abated in the beleaguered villages, thus restoring relative peace in the affected Lgs.

    Then came another bolt from the blue—Tuesday’s deadly attacks on Woro village in Kaiama Local Government Area, also in Kwara North. Before they struck, the religious extremists had notified the community that they were coming to preach a strange doctrine to the people. Between 5 pm and 6 pm on the ill-fated day, when darkness had not descended on the surface of the earth, the religious extremists came in Gestapo form.

    The terrorists were said to have hibernated in the old Kianji National Park between Kwara and Niger states to carry out their deadly and senseless killings. A younger brother to the head of Woro community, Umar Ali, said the attackers invaded the community at about 5 pm, arriving on motorcycles and surrounding the town before opening fire from different directions.

    “They came around 5 pm, completely surrounded the community and started shooting sporadically from all angles, so nobody could escape,” he said.

    He explained that residents who attempted to flee were shot, while those who surrendered were gathered at the palace of the village head, where they were tied up and killed. He added that some victims were burnt alive inside shops and houses after the attackers locked them in and set the buildings ablaze.

    “We physically counted 75 corpses within the town, but people are suggesting the number of those abducted, especially women, could be over 100,” he added.

    He further revealed that the wife of the traditional ruler, Hauwa Umar, his mother and three of his children were among those abducted during the attack.

    “The village head’s wife, his mother and three of his children are missing. That makes five people from his household unaccounted for,” he added.

    Ali said the community was thrown into panic, with many residents fleeing their homes, leaving the town almost deserted.

    “The people are scared and the community is nearly empty. What we need now is increased security presence to restore confidence and allow people to return,” he said.

    He noted that there had been prior intelligence reports of a possible attack, which were reportedly communicated to the local government authorities and shared with higher levels of government.

    He added that soldiers had earlier patrolled the area a day the attackers were suspected to be planning to strike, which he believed discouraged them at the time.

    However, Ali said there was no security presence during Tuesday’s attack, and that security operatives only arrived after many victims had died from gunshot wounds due to lack of immediate medical attention.

    In his narration, a survivor, who doubles as the head of Woro village, Alhaji Umar Saliu Tanko, said he was not at home when the bandits arrived. He said that in anger, the bandits killed his daughter, two sons and abducted his younger wife with two other persons.

    He said: “I was away in my shop where I sell goods when armed bandits arrived my resident on Tuesday evening. My daughter and two sons were shot dead while my second wife and two others were abducted.”

    Another survivor, Razaq Abdulazeez, said he resides on outskirts of the village and was returning home late in the afternoon when he saw people running out of the village.

    He said: “I was returning home from work when I saw people running towards my area. I asked what was happening and I was told that they were running to escape the wrath of bandits who had come to attack the community.

    “I raced towards my house, packed my family members and we escaped into the far away bush on the outskirts of the community. Many who could not run out of town escaped to the top of trees to avoid bandits’ attack.”

    Read Also: Kwara attack: NEMA deploys response team, relief items to Kaiama

    Students of the state College of Nursing Sciences (KWASCONS), Oke-Ode identified one Salihu Bio Khalid as a victim of the ruthless killings. Khalid, said to be a student of Midwifery and former President of the Student Union Government (SUG), was reportedly killed alongside his brother in the senseless attacks.

    In a statement by the state Chairman of the National Association of Nigeria Comrades (NANC) Babatunde Muhammad Jamiu, Vice Chairman (Academic) Ahmed Ridwan Ayinde, and the Public Relations Officer (PRO) Taofeeq Islamiyah Opeyemi, the association said the incident had plunged the KWASCONS community and the student body across Kwara State into shock and mourning.

    “Senator Salihu Bio Khalid was a committed and courageous student leader whose dedication to student welfare, unionism, and service to his institution stood as a testament to purposeful leadership.

    “His contributions to the student movement will remain indelible in our collective memory.

    “On behalf of NANC Kwara axis, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, the leadership of the student union government, and the entire students of KWASCONS.

    “We pray that Almighty God grants the departed eternal rest and gives the bereaved family, loved ones, and the entire student community the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

    “Beyond condolences, NANC Kwara axis strongly condemns the rising spate of insecurity threatening the lives of students and citizens across the state.

    “The continued loss of innocent lives to banditry and violent attacks is unacceptable and calls for serious, decisive, and emergency intervention.

    “We hereby urge the Kwara State Government and relevant security agencies to:

    Immediately strengthen security architecture around student-populated areas and major transit routes.

    Conduct a thorough investigation into this tragic incident and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

    Engage stakeholders, including student bodies and civil society groups, in proactive security planning.”

    Emir of Kaiama Alhaji Omar Muazu and the state Governor Abdulraman AbdulRazaq had described the attacks as a massacre.

    Seventy-five corpses recovered from the violent attacks were on Wednesday morning given a mass burial, the monarch revealed.

    Alhaji Muazu said this in Kaiama on Wednesday night during a condolence visit by Governor AbdulRazaq.

    Regretting the sad incident, the emir said “it is unfortunate that we lost very large number of people. This is one of the largest massacres at the same time in Nigeria.

    “At the last count, 75 corpses were given mass burial. These exclude the Christians and non-indigenes who had taken their family members’ corpses away for burial.

    “Some corpses are still in the bush, so the figure is likely to go up. Woro is now a ghost community. Everybody has deserted the place.

    “A lot of people, mostly women and children, were kidnapped and taken into the bush. The incident started like isolated one long ago after they captured Mahmuda. But this one is a massacre.

    “They gave a notice that they were coming to preach and nobody objected to their coming. Instead, they came to murder our people.

    “The terrorists are at the edge of the Kianji National Park. The park is very large and porous. It is only a consolidated military operation between Niger and Kwara states that can uproot them.

    “The most unfortunate, some of our boys have joined them. The boys are the informants as well as participants.”

    Speaking, Governor AbdulRazaq said the refusal of the community members to succumb to perverted Islamic doctrine and faith was behind the gruesome killings.

    He said: “It is sad that we are here today to commiserate with you over the death of 75 of your subjects in Woro. From our information, this village refused to succumb to a perverted form Islamic doctrine.

    “Because these people refused a change of Islamic doctrine and faith, they were attacked and massacred.

    “This action was different from kidnapping for ransom. This is just pure massacre. It is highly condemnable.

    “At the moment, the state emergency service is going to look for how to take care of family members of the deceased. This is a major challenge to tackle now.

    “They have murdered sleep and they will sleep no more. I can assure you that within one month the whole place will be flooded with soldiers.”

    He applauded President Bola Tinubu for his prompt action.

    “We appreciate the president for approving the immediate deployment of battalion of soldiers under Operation Savannah to the area.

    “Hitherto, Baruten, Kaiama local government areas and part of Kianji National Park are supposed to be under another military operation.

    “But now there will be a major operation here directly headquartered in Kwara State with a battalion of soldiers coming to make sure this place is safe.

    “We know that the challenges we have here are from further North and across the border. But these challenges will be mitigated.”

    Recounting the unsavoury situation, Kaiama Local Government Council chairman, Abubakar Danladi, said the scene of the number of deaths and charred bodies was similar to horror films.

    He said: “As a medical doctor, I have not seen such a horrifying scene.

    “As they came they went straight to the village head’s house and killed his two graduate medical doctor children (male and female).

    “It means we have bad eggs among us who are giving them information about our communities.

    “They got to the village head’s house, asked for keys his two vehicles, vandalized the vehicles and set his house ablaze.

    “The next thing they did was to enter the house and abducted his wife with some of his little kids. They used the village head’s vehicles to ferry away the abductees.

    “It is highly disheartening and disconcerting that even we wanted to buy water in this community but could not get, because all the roadside shops have been burnt down.

    “What is more horrifying is the setting ablaze of young 12 vigilante members who were seated in their office.

    “This is because their guns bullets could not do anything to the boys.”

    More than 50.survivors of the bloody attacks are currently receiving treatment in hospitals. They sustained varying degrees of injury during the attack

    The Senator representing Kwara North Senatorial District, Sadiq Umar, paid a visit to the survivors. The lawmaker sympathised with those suffering from gunshot wounds and other injuries, describing the incident as heartbreaking and prayed for their speedy recovery.

    He also reassured the victims of his continued support during their period of recovery.

    He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the deployment of security personnel under Operation Savannah Shield to restore peace and track down perpetrators of the attack.

    Senator Umar also commended Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for what he described as swift intervention, particularly the directive to the State Emergency Management Agency to provide relief materials for affected persons.

    The senator called for sustained security operations across Kwara North, noting that the district has continued to experience security challenges.

    He urged residents to remain united, hopeful, and prayerful, while reaffirming his commitment to the wellbeing of his constituents and praying for lasting peace in the region.

    Also, the Speaker of Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, urged the security agencies in the country to brace up for more effort to address the insurgency in some parts of the state in order to reduce incessant cases of killing of innocent residents.

    Rt. Hon. Danladi-Salihu made the appeal in a statement issued in Ilorin in the aftermath of the recent massacre of some residents of both Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of the state by suspected terrorists.

    He said: “I am calling for intensified military action against the perpetrators.

    “Furthermore, I urge our communities to cooperate fully with security agencies to bring an end to these killings once and for all.”

    The speaker condemned the senseless violence in the strongest terms, calling for an immediate escalation of military operations along the axis bordering Niger State to flush out criminal elements.

    “I commiserate with His Royal Highness, the Emir of Kaiama, and the families of the victims of this horrific attack,” Speaker Danladi-Salihu said.

    He sympathised with the Emir of Kaima, Dr. Muazu Omar, and the families of those affected by the incident.

    He noted that as military pressure increases across various parts of the state, “elements of destabilization” may attempt to divert attention or seek refuge in new areas.

    Also, the senator representing Kwara Central senatorial district of the state at the National Assembly, Saliu Mustapha, called for more troops to the two affected communities to check the activities of terrorists in the state.

    In a condolence message he personally signed, Senator Mustapha said he received the “distressing news of the tragic attacks on innocent civilians” with deep sadness.

    He described the incident as a senseless act that underscores the urgent need for unity, vigilance and stronger community cooperation in tackling insecurity.

    The senator urged residents of the affected areas and the entire state to remain calm, support security agencies, and promptly report suspicious movements to help safeguard their communities.

    Senator Mustapha also commended the state government for its swift response and proactive steps to protect citizens.

    He further appreciated the efforts of security agencies in combating terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminal elements threatening peace in the state.

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state has also condemned the latest gruesome attack carried out by bandits on Woro and Nuku communities in the late hours of Tuesday.

    A statement issued by the PDP signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, described the attack as a despicable, inhuman and callous act of wickedness that no human should ever inflict on fellow human beings.

    “We, therefore, call on the Kwara State Government to immediately deploy humanitarian aid, relief materials and medical support to Woro community and other affected victims to help them navigate the trauma and destruction caused by this attack.

    “We also call on security agencies, in the interest of justice and public safety, to intensify efforts to track down these criminal elements and ensure they are brought to book for the evil they have unleashed on innocent and defenseless people.

    The state police command also described the elements as religious extremists.

    Spokesperson of the state command Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi said that “preliminary findings gathered at the scene indicates that the hoodlums, suspected to be religious extremists stormed the community, opening fire sporadically, killing victims while houses and shops were set ablaze.

    “A Joint Security Team comprising the Police, Military, and National Forest Guards have since been deployed and are currently on ground to maintain law and order, prevent further attacks, and reassure residents of their safety.

    “A full-scale investigation has been launched to track down the perpetrators and ensure they face the full weight of the law.

    “The command extends his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and the entire Woro Community during this moment of grief while praying for the repose of their souls.

    “We urge residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies, and promptly provide credible information that may aid ongoing operations.”

  • NDLEA’s campaign against illicit drugs takes new form in Ondo

    NDLEA’s campaign against illicit drugs takes new form in Ondo

    With its Alternative Development pilot programme recently taking off in three communities in Ondo State, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) hopes to help farmers of cannabis and other illicit drugs transit to legitimate alternative crops like cocoa, cassava, yam and beans. BOLA JOSEPH writes.

    Ondo State recently played host to a landmark visit that blended symbolism, policy dialogue and grassroots engagement, as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), arrived in the Sunshine State on a four-day official tour aimed at reshaping the narrative around drug control and community development.

    The visit, which attracted eminent personalities from across the country, was widely described as a moment of hope for many ordinary cannabis farmers who have resolved to abandon illicit cultivation in favour of lawful and sustainable livelihoods. For them, the NDLEA’s Alternative Development Initiative represents not just a policy shift, but a lifeline.

    True to his reputation for modesty, the former Military Administrator of Lagos and Borno states arrived in Ondo State aboard a commercial flight; a gesture that underscored his personal philosophy of simplicity and service. He was received at the airport by heads of security agencies, led by the Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General Justin Ifeanyi, alongside senior officials of the Ondo State Government.

    At the Government House in Akure, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa accorded Marwa and his delegation a warm, almost regal reception, setting the tone for a visit that would combine high-level policy discussions with direct community engagements.

    New approach to old problem

    The second day was set for a new approach to an old problem as the visit commenced with a warm courtesy visit to the governor’s office and the palace of the Deji of Akure. Thereafter, he ensured he met with CAN Chairman, Ondo State and the leadership.

    The Chairman didn’t leave aside the Chief Imam of Akure Kingdom, where they all agreed to collaborate with the NDLEA to eradicate illicit drugs in the state.

    The well attended town hall meeting in Akure was organised under the Renewed Hope Alternative Development Advocacy Mission.

    Addressing stakeholders, Governor Aiyedatiwa called for comprehensive and people-centred strategies to tackle drug abuse, urging young people to reject illicit substances and embrace alternative livelihoods.

    He described the NDLEA initiative as timely and visionary, noting that drug abuse remains a serious threat to public health, social stability and economic productivity, often fuelling crime and youth restiveness.

    According to the governor, tackling the root causes of poverty, unemployment and lack of opportunity is far more effective than relying solely on enforcement.

    “When people are productively engaged, the urge to indulge in drug abuse and other illicit activities is significantly reduced,” Aiyedatiwa said, highlighting his administration’s investments in skills acquisition, agriculture, vocational training and youth-focused grants.

    He assured the NDLEA of the state government’s full support, pledging collaboration with traditional rulers, religious institutions, civil society organisations and the private sector to strengthen prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.

    National and international backing

    The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator AbubakarKyari, CON, represented by the ministry’s South-West Regional Director, Mrs. TemitayoAlao, commended the initiative, describing it as a direct response to hunger, poverty and unemployment among vulnerable populations. He noted that the programme aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by promoting food security and job creation.

    International partners also lent their voices. The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, through its Deputy Director-General for Partnerships, Dr. TahirouAbdoulaye (represented by Dr. Noel Mulinganya), described the pilot project as timely and impactful, capable of addressing the vulnerabilities that push communities into illicit economies.

    Formally, the launch of the Alternative Development Pilot Project by Brig-Gen Marwa, was described as a decisive shift from a purely enforcement-driven approach to one rooted in empowerment and partnership.

    “Alternative development changes our relationship from enforcement to empowerment. We want a total shift from illicit cropping to productive cash and food crops,” he said.

    Citing the 2018 National Drug Use Survey, Marwa noted that about 14.4 million Nigerians, one in seven adults, use drugs; a trend that fuels crimes ranging from kidnapping to terrorism.

    In Ondo State alone, drug use prevalence stands at about 17 per cent, translating to roughly 400,000 users.

    Despite Ondo’s status as Nigeria’s leading cocoa producer, Marwa observed that the state is also the country’s highest producer of cannabis. Over the past five years, the NDLEA has seized about 12 million kilograms of cannabis nationwide, with a significant proportion traced to Ondo State.

    The programme, he explained, is designed to help communities voluntarily abandon illicit crops such as cannabis and transition to legitimate alternatives including cocoa, cassava, yam and beans. Ondo State was selected for the pilot phase because of its prominence in cannabis cultivation.

    Read Also: Kwara attack: NEMA deploys response team, relief items to Kaiama

    Crucially, Marwa stressed that the initiative is not a pretext for arrests. Rather, it is a collaborative effort supported by the Federal Government, the United Nations and other international partners, with strong emphasis on community ownership and sustainability.

    The final days of the visit took Marwa to the three pilot communities- Ifon in Ose Local Government Area, Ilu-Abo in Akure North, and Eleyeowo where the policy conversations found human faces.

    In Ilu-Abo, residents erupted in excitement as the NDLEA chairman paid a courtesy visit to the monarch, Oba Samuel Oluyemisi, who praised the initiative as a product of “deep and creative thinking.” The monarch noted that while traditional efforts had reduced illicit cultivation, economic hardship had pushed some youths into crime.

    “If they are given alternative engagement, they will have no interest in crime or drug production,” Oba Oluyemisi said, pledging total support for the programme.

    Mr. Noel Mulinganya, who works with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), spoke during the project kickoff at Ilu-Abo after collaborating in the planting exercise and supporting the NDLEA, the state government, and the host community in initiating the project. He expressed his admiration for the NDLEA’s efforts to attract more youths away from illegal activities and engage them in agriculture.

    According to him, the IITA has a strong programme focused on youth engagement in agriculture as a means of wealth and job creation.

    He noted that the IITA is committed to supporting the NDLEA by transferring relevant technologies, knowledge and skills that will help the youths and other members of the community understand the benefits agriculture offers, enabling them to build sustainable livelihoods beyond illegal activities.

    In a powerful demonstration of commitment, Marwa announced financial support for the communities -₦15 million for Eleyeowo and ₦20 million for Ifon to kick-start lawful farming and other productive ventures.

    For many residents, the support was deeply personal. Mrs. Bridget Olaoluwa, a 46-year-old farmer from Eleyeowo, admitted she had been involved in illicit farming since her youth. With emotion, she pledged to abandon the practice and invest in a legitimate business if supported.

    Another farmer, Mr. Victor Ajanaku, 50, described the initiative as an eye-opener. “For the first time, I see NDLEA personnel not as enemies, but as partners in progress,” he said, urging transparency to ensure that promised funds reach genuine beneficiaries.

    Traditional rulers, religious leaders, the judiciary and civil society groups all pledged support during the visit. The Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, and the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, both assured the NDLEA of sustained collaboration to curb drug abuse.

    As the visit drew to a close, Marwa warned that proposed amendments to the NDLEA Act would soon impose stiffer penalties between 15 and 25 years imprisonment for drug-related offences. Yet, the overarching message of the Ondo tour was clear: lasting change lies not only in punishment, but in opportunity.

    From town halls to farmlands, the NDLEA’s Alternative Development Pilot in Ondo State signals a bold attempt to turn illicit fields into pathways of hope one community at a time.

    Illicit drugs: Marwa calls for national response, support for alternative development

    Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) has called for a strong national response and sustained support for the alternative development programme recently initiated to curb illicit cannabis cultivation, uplift rural communities and strengthen national security.

    Marwa spoke at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday to drum support for the first in Africa drug control initiative, whose pilot scheme was launched in three cannabis growing communities in Ondo State last week.

    While explaining the alternative development strategy of drug control, the NDLEA boss said the concept goes far beyond crop substitution, stressing that “its wider benefits include strengthening rural economies through value-chain development; reducing the burden on law enforcement and the justice system; promoting peace and social cohesion in previously crime-prone areas; supporting national food production and agricultural diversification; improving Nigeria’s international standing in global drug control and development cooperation.”

    According to him, “this approach represents a win-win solution—for communities, for government, and for national security. The successful take off of the pilot scheme in Ilu Abo, Ifon, and Eleyewo in Ondo State last week clearly demonstrates that alternative development works when communities are engaged, supported, and empowered.

    We therefore call for a strong national response and sustained support from all stakeholders across all layers of government, traditional rulers and community leaders, development partners and donor agencies, the private sector and agricultural value-chain actors as well as civil society organisations and the media.”

    He also urged communities across the country; particularly those affected by illicit drug cultivation, to embrace the model and work with the NDLEA in building lawful, productive, and secure livelihoods. “Let me reiterate that the alternative development programme is not just a drug control initiative; it is a people-centred development intervention designed to uplift communities, strengthen national security, and secure Nigeria’s future.”

    He assured that the Agency “remains fully committed to expanding this programme nationwide, in partnership with all stakeholders, as we collectively build a safer, healthier, and more prosperous Nigeria in alignment with the renewed hope agenda of the President Tinubu administration.”

    Speaking on the successful flag-off of the scheme in Ondo state, Marwa said “one of the most encouraging outcomes of this pilot project has been the overwhelming acceptance and support expressed by the host communities and their traditional and community leaders. They have openly stated that this programme has renewed their hope in Nigeria and restored their confidence in government. They recognise that Alternative Development offers a dignified and lawful source of income for farmers; reduction in poverty and vulnerability, especially among rural households; improved food security through the introduction of viable alternative crops; enhanced community stability and safety, as illicit drug cultivation often fuels criminal networks and insecurity.”

    He noted that by replacing cannabis cultivation with sustainable agricultural and economic opportunities, the programme directly tackles the root causes of drug production rather than merely treating the symptoms.

    The NDLEA boss said the dire reality of illicit cannabis cultivation and use in Nigeria made the Agency to look beyond law enforcement and consider a United Nations endorsed alternative to solving the cannabis conundrum. “The evidence-based comprehensive data on drug use in Nigeria exposes a bleak and deeply troubling reality. According to the 2018 National Drug Use Survey, conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics with technical support from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), an estimated 14.4 per cent of Nigerians aged 15–64 years — or roughly 14.3 million people — reported using at least one psychoactive substance in the past year, a figure that is more than twice the global prevalence of drug use. Cannabis stands starkly at the centre of this crisis, dominating both patterns of consumption and the illicit cultivation landscape.”

    He further disclosed that “cannabis is not a marginal issue in Nigeria – it is the most frequently used and widely available illicit drug in the country. An estimated 10.6 million adults – more than one in every ten Nigerians in the prime of life – reported using cannabis in the past year, far outstripping the use of other drugs. The severity of the problem extends beyond consumption into widespread cultivation and organised production. Field assessments focusing on high-risk areas in the South West reveal that nearly 8,900 hectares of land are under cannabis cultivation, often hidden deep within forests and remote regions. These illicit farms are clustered and interconnected, hinting at organised networks that not only supply domestic demand but also facilitate trafficking beyond Nigeria’s borders.”

    Painting a grim picture of the challenge, Marwa said “the social and public health implications are stark. With youth and adults alike turning to habitual cannabis use often initiated in late adolescence, the nation faces the threat of long-term health consequences, increased dependency, and cascading social harms, including lost productivity, crime, and the burden on overstretched healthcare systems. More revealing is the fact that out of a total of 15 million kilogrammes of assorted illicit drugs seized by the NDLEA in the past five years, over 75 percent of them are cannabis. Just imagine the harm that quantity would have done to our youths, public health and national security.”

    He however expressed confidence that the alternative development initiative will reverse the trend if given strong national response and sustained support because it’s fully aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.

    He commended national stakeholders and international partners that have shown support for the initiative. “This pilot project was flagged off with the invaluable support of several global institutions and partners, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC); the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Global Partnership on Drug Policies and Development (GPDPD), Berlin, Germany; Mae FahLuang Foundation under Royal Patronage (MFLF), Bangkok, Thailand; as well as support from friendly countries and development partners committed to sustainable livelihoods and community resilience, including friends and partners who participated virtually from Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Germany, Thailand, Peru, Colombia, Brazil, Mexico, Netherlands, Myanmar, Bhutan, Laos, Afghanistan, Iran, and Guatemala. Also significant was the presence and support of Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Ayedatiwa and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator AbubakarKyari, who was ably represented by the Regional Director Southwest, Mrs. AlaoTemitayo.”

  • N3.5m or your life, assassins threaten Ogun widow

    N3.5m or your life, assassins threaten Ogun widow

    Suspected ‘hired assassins’ have threatened to kill a widow in Ogun State if she failed to pay N3.5m as ransom, reports KUNLE AKINRINADE

    Bunmi Olawale got a rude shock on January 5. Her mobile phone dropped from her hands as she tried to figure out what she had heard during the conversation with a stranger. Her switch into a sullen look was a tell-tale sign of someone gripped by fear after the telephone conversation. She could not come to terms with the threats issued by the alleged leader of a gang of assassins who had called her name with precision on the telephone.

    She said: “I fell ill and was taking a drip when the call came in, and I picked up my mobile phone to answer the call.  The caller with a male voice said he was calling from Ifo, Ogun State, and he asked if I was Ms Bunmi Olawale. I said yes.

    “To my surprise, the man told me that he was an assassin and that someone had paid his gang the sum of N5 million to kill me. He said his gang had been monitoring my movement for days.

    ‘’ The male caller further asked me if I had any business transaction with a partner and I said no. He then proceeded to demand payment of N3.5 million or his gang would kill me.

    “I told him that I am a widow and that I had no quarrel with anyone. But the male caller said it was none of his business or that of his gang. He said he was only being lenient with me because I am a woman, hence his gang did not want to kill me.’’

    The Oyo indigene and trained nurse explained that her indifference to the initial threats by the gang leader further attracted several threat calls and images from other members of the gang, using different phone numbers.

    “He then sent an Opay bank account number, asking me to pay into the account. I blocked his number to prevent further conversations with him.

    “Despite this, at about 2 am a few days later, the man and his gang members used another mobile telephone number to send messages to my phone.

    ‘’From then, they started sending gory photographs of their previous victims and how they hacked them to death,

    “I reported the case to the police at the Agbado Police Divisional Headquarters.

    “The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) asked me to make a statement and I was told that the number of the strange callers would be tracked.

    “The police said it was likely that a syndicate, comprising prison inmates, were behind the threat messages and conversations I had been receiving.’’

    Olawale said since January, she had been living in fear as she could not freely go out or run her medical rounds.

    Read Also: Kwara attack: NEMA deploys response team, relief items to Kaiama

    She referenced a particular night when she feared that some strangers might be lurking in the dark when she was roused from sleep by her dogs.

    “Since the conversations, threats and gory images were sent to my phone, I have been living in fear. Now, I am afraid of picking calls from people I don’t know and this is equally affecting my job.

    “As a health care practitioner, people could call me to attend to their health conditions and this can sometime come as emergency call. I fear unknown calls could be from the same assassins.

    ‘’There was a certain day recently when my dogs started barking in the middle of the night. They are wild and usually alert me to threats; so they barked interruptedly at the back of the window of my bedroom.

    “When the barking became unbearable, I called the Vice Chairman of the Community Development Association (CDA) in my area in Ope-Ilu and he quickly mobilised the community’s security guards to increase the patrols around my residence and the dogs stopped barking, after the violators exited the area.’’

    She added: “As I speak with you, I am still living in fear and traumatised. I am crying out now, because, if I dismiss the threats as fake and the brains behind the threats made good their threats, people will blame me for not raising the alarm when it mattered.

    “My fears have been heightened because I am no longer free to go out or walk freely in town like before.’’

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of Ogun Police Command, Mr. Oluseyi Babaseyi could not be reached on his mobile phone for comment at press time.

  • Driving Makoko as opportunity for Lagos blue economy

    Driving Makoko as opportunity for Lagos blue economy

    Water as a natural resources is increasingly pulling economic  benefits for communities surrounding it , creating the fad , that is globally gaining traction as the blue economy.

    KELVIN OSA OKUNBOR examines the burgeoning value chain , which  views  water as a foundation for economic activity rather than an obstacle to development.

    Globally, cities surrounded by water continue to generate conversations in environmental and economic quarters on what possible models could be adopted to convert  what appears as  challenges into huge opportunities.

    For this reason, experts continue to expand the conversations on the agenda that  will deliver the desired economic outcomes.

    Lagos, in Nigeria is not left out of this task in turning the curve.

    Wittingly, the  Lagos State’s THEMES agenda identifies the Blue Economy as a strategic priority.

    Leaders in the governance space, have  noted that a megacity with 22 percent  of its territory covered by water requires infrastructure designed for aquatic environments.

    Despite this realization, something strategic has remained missing:

     turning policy language into physical infrastructure that generates measurable economic returns.

    Makoko offers this testing ground. The proposed $10 million Water Cities upgrade matters not just for the estimated 100,000 residents but also because its successful execution will create replicable models for Lagos’s coastline and lagoon systems, which currently represent underutilized economic assets.

    Experts say managers of the governance space should think out of the box and begin to see the

    Blue Economy frameworks, which  view water as a foundation for economic activity rather than an obstacle to development.

    For Lagos, where population density makes waterfront development inevitable, this creates a fundamental choice. The first approach, dominant for decades, relies on displacement and land reclamation.

    The second builds floating infrastructure that preserves ecosystems and communities while creating new economic value. Traditional development treats informal waterfront settlements as economic drains requiring clearance. Blue Economy logic inverts this: communities already living on water possess knowledge about aquatic construction, tidal patterns, and sustainable fishing that engineered solutions must build upon.

    Read Also: Makoko and the disaster Lagos says it could not ignore

    The primary economic opportunity is straightforward. Nigeria imports significant fish protein despite its extensive coastline and lagoon systems, where communities like Makoko have fished for centuries. Integrated aquaculture, combining traditional catch with cage farming, could transform the lagoon from a subsistence fishing ground into a commercial protein production hub. The market already exists. Lagos consumes more fish than local waters currently supply, creating immediate demand for increased sustainable production.

    But the economic value extends beyond fish. The construction expertise developed to build functional infrastructure on water in tropical tidal environments can be exported as intellectual property by Lagos.

    By 2050, urban flooding will affect cities housing 800 million people globally, according to a UN-Habitat report; therefore, infrastructure that remains functional during floods has significant market value. Coastal municipalities from Manila to Miami to Dhaka will need the exact solutions Makoko tests today.

    If Lagos develops and documents these techniques, the city can export climate adaptation expertise to development banks and governments worldwide, generate consulting revenue, and establish regional leadership.

    Tourism adds another dimension. Lagos struggles to differentiate attractions beyond music concerts, hospitality venues, beach resorts, and business conferences. Properly developed, Makoko’s floating architecture and preserved Egun fishing heritage could create a cultural destination that generates visitor revenue while maintaining community character. This works only if the infrastructure upgrade preserves what makes the settlement distinctive rather than replacing it with generic waterfront development.

    These opportunities align directly with the THEMES development agenda. Water-based mobility infrastructure reduces road congestion. Floating health clinics demonstrate delivery mechanisms for populations that traditional infrastructure cannot reach cost-effectively. Schools designed for tidal environments establish architectural standards for waterfront education statewide.

    The Blue Economy framework offers a practical pathway to implement multiple policy priorities simultaneously through integrated aquatic infrastructure.

    The elements for success already exist. Lagos has a policy vision identifying the Blue Economy as a priority. International partnerships through UNDP and UN-Habitat provide technical expertise and partial funding.

    A community with two centuries of experience living on water offers practical knowledge that engineering cannot replicate.

    What determines the outcome is execution. Informal settlements can be upgraded without displacement, making future interventions less contentious than clearance and resettlement. Investment in aquatic infrastructure generates returns through increased productivity and new economic activity, rather than constituting pure social expenditure.

    Success demonstrates that Lagos has the governance capacity to coordinate state agencies, international partners, and community organizations effectively.

    The $10 million Makoko investment tests whether the THEMES agenda’s most forward-looking component produces measurable returns or remains aspirational policy.

     For a state surrounded by water, facing population growth and climate realities, building aquatic infrastructure is essential.

  • NATE seeks presidential backing for abolishment of HND/BSc dichotomy

    NATE seeks presidential backing for abolishment of HND/BSc dichotomy

    The Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to back the abolishment of HND/B.Sc dichotomy with an Executive Order and an Act of Parliament from the National Assembly.

    National President of NATE, Dominic Udoatan made the appeal at a news conference on Friday in Abuja. 

    The association welcomed the pronouncement by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa to abolish the HND/BSc dichotomy by empowering Polytechnics to award degree (B.Tech), describing it as a “great achievement and is highly applauded.”

    NATE also appealed to Alausa and other relevant authorities to create Nigerian Polytechnic Commission (NPC) that will see to the effective running of the Polytechnics in Nigeria.

    Presently, polytechnics in the country are under the supervision of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). 

    Udoatan said: “The recent pronouncement by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa to abolish the HND/BSc dichotomy by empowering Polytechnics to award Degree (B.Tech) is a great achievement and is highly applauded.

    “As a Professional body that sees to the affairs of Engineering graduates of Polytechnics in Nigeria, the Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE) wish to support the proposed reform by the Federal Government as this will bring a lasting solution to this age long struggle.

    “Also, that the Polytechnic should be adequately equipped and funded to discharge their new responsibilities by the Federal and State Government.

    “We hereby appeal that this noble gesture should be backed up with an Executive Order from the President and an Act of Parliament from the National Assembly.

    “In furtherance to the above, we also appeal to the Minister of Education and other relevant authorities to create Nigerian Polytechnic Commission (NPC) that will see to the effective running of the Polytechnics in Nigeria.”

    Udoatan noted that some of the crucial technical skill areas in engineering, that ought to be foundation trades to the newly developed standards for Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) for youths have been completely left out.

    He added that more than the 81 skill areas have already been developed under the National Vocational Qualification Frame work (NVQF).

    He added: “These trades and skills which are seen as the hallmark for machine components and spare parts production in engineering and the life line for techno industrial development of industrialised and developed Nations of the world   are of great importance and concern to us, as a body of Practical Engineers and Technologists.

    “We therefore wish to appeal to the Federal Ministry of Education through the Honourable Minister and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) through the Executive Secretary to partner with Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE) in the development of standards and the syllabi for use in the teaching of these afore mentioned areas of skills and others.

    “Also, we advocate that the Engineering Residency Programme for Engineering graduates of Universities and Polytechnics which COREN is about to start should be given full funding by the Federal Government. This will enhance competency and proficiency in the engineering field there by boosting technological growth and advancement in Nigeria, as well as improving our Economy. 

    “We are appealing to the President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to officially abolish the HND and BSc dichotomy and allow the present HND holders to proceed beyond grade level 14 in their career progression while implementing the new technological education.

    “We believe, by harmonising qualifications and strengthening Technical Education, Nigeria can unlock the full potential of its workforce, build competitive industries, and secure a more inclusive and prosperous future.

    “We hereby call on Federal and State government, captains of industries, educational institutions, and the media to support these reforms and work collectively toward their implementation.”

  • Adeyanju hails foremost N’Delta businessman Tonlagha at 50

    Adeyanju hails foremost N’Delta businessman Tonlagha at 50

    Prominent rights activist and public affairs commentator, Deji Adeyanju, has congratulated renowned Niger Delta environmental activist, businessman, and oil and gas executive, Mr. Matthew Tonlagha, on the occasion of his 50th birthday.

    In a congratulatory message, Adeyanju described Tonlagha’s golden jubilee as a milestone that reflects a life of purpose, impact, and uncommon commitment to excellence. 

    He praised Tonlagha as an outstanding Nigerian entrepreneur whose leadership has translated into tangible contributions to national economic development.

    Read Also: Adeyanju backs Wike over construction of Apo-Karshi road

    Adeyanju particularly commended Tonlagha’s role as Chairman of Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited and Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, noting that under his leadership, the companies have empowered many Nigerians and strengthened local participation in the oil and gas sector.

    He also lauded Tonlagha’s advocacy for environmental protection and sustainable development in the Niger Delta, as well as his investments in education, healthcare, and community development, describing them as evidence of exemplary stewardship and social responsibility.

    Adeyanju joined Tonlagha’s family, friends, and associates in celebrating the milestone, offering prayers for continued good health, greater accomplishments, and expanded influence in business and nation-building as he enters a new chapter of life.

  • Tributes as retired Air Vice Marshal Okorodudu is laid to rest

    Tributes as retired Air Vice Marshal Okorodudu is laid to rest

    • …widow Joan:  he remains irreplaceable

    Family members, friends, military colleagues, political associates, and well-wishers gathered on January 11  for the Service of Songs  in honour of Air Vice Marshal (Rtd) Terry Omatsola Okorodudu, a highly respected retired officer of the Nigerian Air Force whose passing marked a significant era of a life defined by service, discipline, and unwavering patriotism.

    The solemn but memorable gathering reflected the wide reach of his influence, drawing attendees from across military, political, and civic circles.

    Born on 27 August 1955, AVM Okorodudu was commissioned into the Nigerian Air Force in 1976 and rose through the ranks through decades of distinguished service, retiring in 2010 as an Air Vice Marshal.

    Beyond his military career, he remained deeply involved in national and political affairs, particularly in Delta State where he aspired for for a legislative position under the ruling APC, and across Nigeria where he was known as a respected party stalwart, mentor, and community leader with distinguished integrity.

    Survived by his long  wife, Joan, children and many grandchildren, his passing in September 2025, after a brief illness, sent shockwaves through the nation and prompted tributes from across Nigeria including the president, 

    Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who acknowledged AVM Okorodudu’s contributions to national building and to national security as a disciplined Air Force officer.

    The Service of Songs was marked by hymns, prayers, scripture readings, and heartfelt tributes in honor of a man whose life transcended uniform and rank.

    Speaker after speaker reflected on his integrity, leadership, and personal warmth.

     A close family friend, while delivering a tribute, described him as “a beacon of integrity and service, a man who flew with honour and lived with purpose.” The words resonated deeply with the congregation, many of whom nodded in agreement as memories of his life were recalled.

    A senior colleague from the Nigerian Air Force, who served alongside him for many years, spoke of Okorodudu’s impact within the military, saying, “His legacy is etched in the hearts of all who served with him and all who knew him as a friend and mentor.” 

    According to him, AVM Okorodudu was known for leading by example, insisting on professionalism while also taking time to guide younger officers with patience and empathy.

    Another Collegue who was a Squadron officer later a politician stated that “AVM Terry was a man of intergrity and a man of his word” He further stated that “Terry is a man of discipline, he thought us how to navigate our way through the military and politics.

    He was a man of intellect and intergrity, “His yes was his yes, and his no was his no”, he wouldn’t leave you guessing on anything.

    Read Also: Chief Obafemi Awolowo grandson laid to rest

    He was a very intelligent man and it was really hard to catch up with him, he thought me all that I needed to know, I really miss him and I hope he is at a better place, may His soul rest in peace”.

    Political associates present at the service also highlighted his post-retirement contributions.

    One party leader described his continued dedication to national development, noting, “He devoted his life to duty and love for his country, long after he left active service. His example is one we must carry forward. 

    The remark underscored the seamless way Okorodudu transitioned from military leadership into civic engagement.

    Beyond national service, Okorodudu’s connection to his roots featured prominently in the tributes.

    A community leader from Delta State referred to him as “a proud son and prince of his land, whose achievements brought honour not just to his family, but to his people.” 

    The tribute emphasized how, despite his national and international exposure, he remained grounded and deeply committed to his community.

    Clergy officiating the Service of Songs spoke of a man of faith who believed strongly in service to God and humanity. Hymns focused on peace and eternal rest were interwoven with reflections on his generosity, quiet strength, and steadfast principles.

    Several speakers noted that AVM Okorodudu was never driven by personal gain, but by a strong sense of duty and moral responsibility.

    As the service progressed, it became clear that the evening was not solely about mourning a loss, but about celebrating a life well lived.

    Attendees recalled his calm leadership during challenging times, his accessibility despite his rank, and his consistent encouragement of excellence in others. Many described him as a bridge-builder, someone who united people across generations, professions, and backgrounds.

    In closing, a family representative thanked all who attended and those who sent messages of condolence, noting that the overwhelming support was a testament to the kind of life AVM Okorodudu lived.

    One final tribute captured the collective sentiment of the evening: “Though he has taken his final flight, his values, lessons, and example will continue to guide us.”

    The Service of Songs for Air Vice Marshal (Rtd) Terry Omatsola Okorodudu thus stood as a powerful reminder of a life marked by honour, sacrifice, and enduring impact — a legacy that will remain firmly etched in the story of Nigeria’s military and civic history.

  • Makoko and the disaster Lagos says it could not ignore

    Makoko and the disaster Lagos says it could not ignore

    • By Sola Onamodu

    The debate over the now-paused partial demolition in Makoko has largely focused on displacement, images of loss, and questions of timing. 

    Those concerns are legitimate. But beneath the emotion lies a quieter, less dramatic question the Lagos State Government says it could not ignore: what happens when danger is visible, persistent, and left untouched?

    For years, parts of Makoko existed directly beneath high-tension power lines. Life went on as usual — children played in narrow walkways, traders worked below the cables, and the elderly spent long hours indoors. The risk, however, was constant.

    According to state officials, the decision to intervene was driven not by redevelopment ambitions but by risk accumulation. In densely packed informal settlements, a single electrical fault, fallen cable, or severe weather event can escalate rapidly. Fire spreads faster. Escape routes are limited. Emergency response is slowed.

    In such environments, the most vulnerable — children and the elderly — are often the first to suffer.

    It was this scenario that informed the government’s decision to clear structures in the most dangerous locations, particularly those built directly under high-tension lines. Authorities insist the action was targeted, not indiscriminate, and guided by risk mapping and hazard assessments, rather than a blanket enforcement drive.

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu articulated this position bluntly when he said he could not stand by and allow a situation where “hundreds of people could lose their lives in a single incident,” adding that the state would not wait for tragedy before acting. 

    Read Also: Lagos Assembly halts Makoko demolition

    The statement has drawn criticism in some quarters, but it also reflects a familiar dilemma in governance: whether to act early and face backlash, or wait and explain later why nothing was done.

    Beyond electricity, urban safety experts point out that Makoko’s waterfront location exposes it to flooding and fire outbreaks, risks worsened by overcrowding and informal construction. 

    These layered hazards, they argue, make inaction its own form of decision — one that carries consequences.

    Still, the government’s response has not been without adjustment. After clearing the highest-risk structures, the state paused further demolition to allow for a strategic review of safety measures, a move officials describe as an effort to recalibrate next steps and reduce further disruption. 

    Alongside this, a $2 million intervention fund was announced to support affected residents with temporary shelter, financial assistance, and small business support.

    The pause is significant. It suggests that the government recognises the social cost of enforcement and the need to balance safety with humanity. 

    It also reframes the intervention not as a rush to demolish, but as a phased response to an identified risk.

    Ultimately, the Makoko debate raises a broader question about urban governance in Lagos: at what point does visible danger become too great to ignore? For the state, the answer appears to be when the risk of a preventable disaster outweighs the discomfort of early action.

    Whether the government’s approach will win public trust remains to be seen. But its central argument is clear: the intervention was not about the disaster that happened, but about the one it says did not — and should not — happen.

  • RULAAC calls for stronger police-media collaboration to rebuild public trust

    RULAAC calls for stronger police-media collaboration to rebuild public trust

    The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has emphasized the urgent need for enhanced collaboration between the Nigeria Police and the media to restore public confidence and improve policing outcomes across the country.

    RULAAC Executive Director, Mr. Okechukwu Nwanguma, made the remarks during a One-Day Police and Media Dialogue Session in Enugu, noting that effective policing in a democracy cannot exist without public trust.

    He highlighted that the relationship between the police and the public remains fragile due to years of corruption, brutality, weak accountability, and poor service delivery.

    “Most citizens form their perception of the police through personal encounters and media reports, making the media a key partner in policing reforms,” Nwanguma said.

    He added that many Nigerians, particularly youths, women, and other vulnerable groups, often view the police as agents of fear rather than protection, underscoring the need for urgent reform and engagement.

    He noted that survivors of sexual and gender-based violence frequently face secondary victimisation at police stations through disbelief, stigma, extortion and ridicule, discouraging them from seeking justice.

    He described the Nigeria Police Act 2020 as a landmark reform meant to promote professionalism, accountability, human rights protection, community policing and gender-sensitive law enforcement.

    The RULAAC boss, however, lamented that implementation of the Act remains weak nearly six years after its enactment, citing persistent cases of monetised bail, illegal detention, torture, abuse of power and ineffective oversight.

    He said entrenched impunity, corruption and lack of political will have undermined the objectives of the law.

    On gender-responsive policing, Nwanguma said law enforcement must recognise that crime and policing affect men, women, boys and girls differently.

    He stressed the need for sensitive handling of sexual and gender-based violence cases and improved protection, training and career opportunities for female police officers.

    He said mutual suspicion continues to characterise police-media relations, with police accusing journalists of sensational reporting, while journalists complain of secrecy, harassment and arrests in the course of duty.

    Nwanguma warned that intimidation of journalists weakens press freedom and public confidence, while unverified reports can also damage institutional credibility.

    He called for regular dialogue platforms, joint training, improved information sharing and stronger police public relations systems to strengthen cooperation.

    Speaking in a related presentation on humanising the police, Nwanguma said poor welfare and working conditions have contributed significantly to corruption and misconduct within the force.

    He said many officers operate without adequate allowances, accommodation, logistics and equipment, creating conditions that encourage unethical conduct.

    He maintained that improving police welfare is a strategic measure to reduce corruption and enhance professionalism, not a reward for misconduct.

    While condemning corruption, he said some officers remain committed to ethical service but are often overshadowed by widespread misconduct.

    Nwanguma said the Police Act provides for recognition and commendation of officers who demonstrate professionalism and integrity, but noted that the provision is underutilised.

    He recalled that during the #EndSARS protests in 2020, some police officers maintained their posts and engaged peacefully with protesters because they had built community trust through professionalism.

    According to him, deliberate recognition and reward of ethical officers would help reinforce professional standards and gradually transform police culture.

    He stressed that sustainable police reform must combine improved welfare with strict accountability mechanisms.

    Nwanguma described the police and the media as partners in public safety, democracy and human rights, urging both sides to embrace transparency, professionalism and continuous engagement.

    He said stronger police-media cooperation would encourage crime reporting, improve policing effectiveness, enhance protection for vulnerable groups and strengthen democratic governance.

  • Ten reasons snakes may find their way into homes

    Ten reasons snakes may find their way into homes

    The death of singer Ifunanya Nwagene has triggered widespread reactions from Nigerians, particularly on social media, amid reports that she died after being bitten by a snake in her Abuja residence.

    The circumstances surrounding the incident have fuelled public debate, with many users expressing shock, grief and concern over household safety, especially in urban areas.

    In the wake of the incident, attention has turned to factors that can attract snakes into residential spaces. Below are ten reasons snakes may enter homes:

    1. They’re trying to escape the heat

    Nigeria’s hot weather forces snakes to look for cooler spots. Shady rooms, bathrooms and tiled floors inside houses can feel like a safe retreat from the sun.

    2. They’re looking for water

    When rivers, puddles and gutters dry up, snakes follow moisture. Leaking taps, toilets, bathrooms, and even water stored around the house can attract them.

    3. Flooding pushes them out

    Early rains and sudden flooding can wash out snakes from their burrows. With nowhere else to go, they may end up in nearby homes.

    Read Also: Mikel berates  NFF on Super Eagles’ preps for AFCON 2025

    4. Overgrown surroundings make it easy. Tall grass, untrimmed bushes and abandoned plots around houses give snakes the cover they need to move around unnoticed — and eventually slip indoors.

    5. Rats and lizards invite them

    Snakes go where food is. If your house has rats, mice, frogs or lizards, snakes may follow.

    6. Small openings are enough

    Snakes don’t need big doors. Gaps under doors, cracked walls, broken windows or open drains are more than enough for them to get inside.

    7. Clutter gives them hiding places

    Stacks of firewood, cartons, old furniture or building materials create quiet, dark spots that snakes love to hide in.

    8. Living close to farms or bush areas

    Homes near farmlands, bush paths or undeveloped land are more exposed, especially when land is cleared or bushes are burned.

    9. Animals around the house

    Keeping poultry, goats or animal feed in residential compounds can attract rodents, and snakes usually follow.

    10. It’s just the season

    Certain times of the year make snakes more active, whether for breeding or movement, increasing the chances of encounters with people.