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Tag: Ebonyi State

  • Ebonyi crisis: Police arrest two monarchs, 11 others over communal violence

    Ebonyi crisis: Police arrest two monarchs, 11 others over communal violence

    The Ebonyi State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of two traditional rulers from the Amasiri community over the recent communal crisis involving the neighbouring Okporojo community.

    The violence, allegedly masterminded by elements from Amasiri, reportedly claimed the lives of five persons. Okporojo is located in Edda Local Government Area, while Amasiri is in Afikpo North Local Government Area. Both communities have been locked in a decades-long boundary dispute that has resulted in repeated loss of lives.

    In response to the incident, Governor Francis Nwifuru at the weekend imposed a 20-hour curfew on the Amasiri community, alongside other stringent sanctions. He also ordered the closure of all schools and government facilities in the area, including the development centre.

    The governor further announced plans to forward a bill to the Ebonyi State House of Assembly seeking the removal of the Amasiri Development Centre from the list of recognised development centres in the state.

    He also dismissed all political appointees from the community and approved the dethronement of the two traditional rulers.

    Confirming the arrests on Monday, the police spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, told journalists that the Development Centre Coordinator, Mr Baron Anya, had been taken into custody.

    He also confirmed the arrest of the traditional rulers—Ezeugo Basil Onya Idam of Amasiri Autonomous Community and Ezeogo Godfrey Obia Oko of Ndukwe Kingdom.

    Ukandu added that 10 other suspects arrested over the weekend in connection with the killings are currently in police custody as investigations continue.

    Meanwhile, a former chairman of Afikpo North Local Government Area and current member of the Ebonyi State Local Government Service Commission, Mrs Obiageri Oko Enyim, has urged residents of Amasiri to remain calm and pursue peace through lawful means.

    In a statement, Enyim said the governor’s response was based on what he personally observed on the ground and should not come as a surprise, noting that any leader would react firmly after witnessing such a situation.

    She cautioned against confronting or challenging the governor’s decisions, warning that such actions could further escalate tensions. According to her, the deployment of security personnel to the area was aimed at restoring peace between the two communities and not targeted at Amasiri alone.

    Enyim called on residents, including those in the diaspora, to adopt dialogue, patience and respectful engagement, stressing that justice cannot be achieved through disorder or confrontation.

    She appealed for calm and unity, urging all parties to seek a peaceful resolution through dialogue, adding that restraint and wisdom are essential to ending the long-standing dispute and restoring stability to the affected communities.

  • Why Ebonyi youths endorsed Nwifuru, Tinubu for second term – Commissioner

    Why Ebonyi youths endorsed Nwifuru, Tinubu for second term – Commissioner

    The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Francis Ori, has revealed how unity among youths in Uburu led to the unanimous endorsement of Governor Francis Nwifuru and President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office.

    He described the development as a historic moment for youth solidarity and political stability in the area.

    Uburu, the hometown of the current Minister for Works and one of the three major towns in the Ohaozara local government area of the state.

    Speaking during an interview, the commissioner explained that Uburu is made up of four autonomous communities and that youths across these communities had previously operated under different youth platforms.

    “However, driven by shared interests and appreciation of the governor’s leadership, rival youth groups resolved their differences and dissolved into a single body known as the Uburu Youth Front

    According to him, the decision to unite was motivated by Governor Nwifuru’s inclusive governance and youth-friendly policies, which have seen many Uburu youths appointed as commissioners, senior special assistants, special advisers, and board members in the state government.

    “The governor is one of us. He has treated Uburu youths as his own, and we felt the best way to appreciate him was to speak with one voice,” the commissioner said.

    He noted that the unity of the youths culminated in a solidarity road work exercise and a formal endorsement of the governor for a second term.

    The Commissioner said the youths also resolved to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election, alongside the Ebonyi State governor.

    Mr Ori said the youths are happy with the president for appointing their son, Senator David Umahi, as Minister for Works.

    He noted that the Minister, working under the direction of President Tinubu, has been able to deliver massive infrastructural development to Ebonyi and the Southeast.

    “We are very grateful people, and the only way to show gratitude to the President is to give him our votes”, he said

    In the 2027 general elections, Engr. Francis Ori expressed confidence that Governor Nwifuru would secure a landslide victory, citing peace, unity, and developmental achievements across the state.

    He dismissed fears of strong opposition, arguing that the absence of a cohesive opposition party and the prevailing unity among stakeholders give the governor a clear advantage.

    “This is the first time Ebonyi State is enjoying this level of peace. The governor has united communities and stakeholders. There is no room for divisive politics again,” he stated.

    Read Also: Nwifuru sacks all political appointees, monarchs, community leaders in Ebonyi community

    The commissioner also highlighted humanitarian efforts through his Orimatic Care Foundation, which recently organized a large-scale Christmas celebration for vulnerable widows across the four Uburu autonomous communities.

    He said the foundation, established in 2017, recently distributed rice, wrappers, cash gifts, and other items to over 600 vulnerable widows in Ebonyi State.

    “To ensure fairness, we asked the Presidents-General of the communities to select 150 widows from each of the four communities, ensuring that beneficiaries were truly in need,” he explained.

    He added that the foundation currently sponsors 36 university students—17 of whom have graduated in professional courses such as medicine, engineering, and law—as well as over 100 pupils in primary and secondary schools.

    The commissioner reaffirmed his commitment to youth empowerment, social welfare, and unity, noting that the coming years would see even greater investments in education, humanitarian services, and community development. Ends

  • Ebonyi orders school closure, 20-hour curfew in Amasiri after deadly clash

    Ebonyi orders school closure, 20-hour curfew in Amasiri after deadly clash

    Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has ordered the immediate closure of all schools in Amasiri, Afikpo Local Government Area, and imposed a 20-hour daily curfew on the community following a deadly attack in Okporojo.

    The measures were part of resolutions reached at an emergency meeting of the Ebonyi State Security Council held on Saturday night, convened in response to the violence in Okporojo village, Oso Edda, in Edda Local Government Area.

    At least four people were killed during the incident, which authorities linked to a long-running boundary dispute between Okporojo and neighbouring Amasiri communities. 

    The conflict, which has spanned decades, has led to repeated loss of lives despite interventions by successive administrations.

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    Earlier on Saturday, Governor Nwifuru visited the affected community, where he commiserated with residents and directed security agencies to ensure the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attack.

    Briefing journalists after the Security Council meeting in Abakaliki, the governor announced a range of security and administrative measures aimed at restoring calm and preventing further violence.

    He disclosed that, on the council’s advice, the state government approved the immediate dethronement of two traditional rulers in the Amasiri clan as part of steps to address the crisis.

    “The letters of their dethronement will be issued to them tomorrow,” he said 

    The governor said council also ordered the dissolution of all community-based leadership structures in Amasiri, including development union executives, village heads, women leaders, youth leaders, peer groups and any other formal or informal organizations operating within the clan. 

    “Government agreed with the council’s directive and dissolved all the Executives of the Development Union, the village heads, women leaders, women groups, youth leaders and youth groups, youth organization, women organization, peer group organization and any other organization in the Amasiri clan,” he said

    Nwifuru said the security council directed that the chairmen of Afikpo, Ivo, Ohaozara and Onicha local government areas should jointly take over the administration and government activities in Amasiri community until further notice.

    The governor said the council directed that all amenities in the town be shutdown effective immediately including all schools, both public and private. 

    Also, the Amasiri Development Centre, a fourth tier of government in the area is to be shutdown. 

    The governor said a bill has been prepared and will be sent to the State House of Assembly to repeal sections of the law that established the Development Centre. 

    “The council also advised the government of Ebonyi state to send an executive bill to the house of assembly for the repeal of the local government and development center law that created Amasiri development center and remove Amasiri development center from the development centers of Ebonyi state. 

    “The government of Ebonyi state agreed on the directive of the council and a bill for a law to repeal the local government and development center law of Ebonyi state of 2015 has been prepared to send to the house of assembly to delete Amasiri Development Center from the Development Centers in Ebonyi state.

    “The council also directed that all government amenities in Amasiri including schools, both private and public should as a matter of urgency close down and all teachers and tutors be posted to other schools and other communities other than Amasiri communities with immediate effects. 

    “The government of Ebonyi state agreed with the directive of the council and have directed the Commissioner for local government and Commissioner for education to immediately implement the directive of the council. 

    “Accordingly, all government and private schools in Amasiri Development Center and in Amasiri clan are hereby closed down and all teachers are to be posted to other schools in other communities. 

    “As from tomorrow morning there will be no school in Amasiri and there will be no development center in Amasiri”, the governor said.

    Nwifuru said the council also resolved to impose a daily curfew on Amasiri community from 2 p.m. to 10 a.m. 

    He said that under the curfew, all markets, shops, businesses, banks, quarries and other commercial activities are to remain shut during the restricted hours. 

    Nwifuru said council further directed security agencies to swing into action to arrest and prosecute those responsible for the killings in Okporojo, and to recover the severed heads of the victims at all costs.”

    He said the measures, though drastic, were necessary to restore law and order and reassure residents of the state government’s commitment to security.

    “These resolutions take immediate effect,” the governor said, warning that the state would not tolerate acts of violence or lawlessness in any part of Ebonyi State.”

  • Ebonyi school gets chairs, others

    Ebonyi school gets chairs, others

    A senior police officer and a public relations expert, Nwode Nkeiruka, has donated chairs, sandals, bags and other educational materials to a public primary school in Ishimkpuma Ndiezi Okpoto community, Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

    The donation by Nkeiruka, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), is said to have brought relief and hope to pupils, teachers and the host community.

    The donation, which included 51 classroom chairs, 98 pairs of school sandals, 40 school bags and other learning materials, was described by community members as a long-awaited intervention that had improved the learning environment of the school.

    The items were distributed across classrooms, with eight chairs allocated to each class.

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    Speaking on the gesture, Nkeiruka said the initiative was part of her commitment to giving back to the society and supporting the education of children, especially in underserved communities.

    She said: “I saw the pictures of the pupils learning while seated on the bare floor, still hopeful.

    “So a few days ago, I decided to make a small change in the school not because chairs, the school bags and shoes I got for them would solve everything, but because every child deserves comfort, dignity and the chance to learn without unnecessary hardship.

    “May this be a reminder that sometimes, kindness begins with noticing. And impact doesn’t have to be loud to be life-changing.”

    Nkeiruka noted that while the donation might appear small, access to basic learning materials played a critical role in shaping the future of children

    “It may seem small, but access to basic learning needs makes a real difference in the lives of our children. I am grateful to the school for allowing me to contribute in this small but meaningful way,” she said.

    She acknowledged the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for what she described as the opportunity and institutional support to serve communities beyond her official duties.

    She reaffirmed Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to community partnership, describing the police as friends of the people.

    The donation attracted commendation from community leaders, teachers and parents, who expressed deep appreciation for the intervention after years of unsuccessful appeals for government assistance.

    Many described the visit as historic, noting it restored dignity and confidence to the pupils and created a more conducive learning environment.

    In a goodwill message, Nteoma Chimaobi, who witnessed the presentation, praised CSP Nkeiruka’s compassion and humanitarian efforts, describing her as a woman whose actions speak louder than words.

    He said the joy and excitement displayed by the pupils and teachers reflected the impact of the gesture on the community.

    “For years, the community sought help to improve the school, but their cries were met with silence. Today, hope has returned, and joy fills the hearts of the people,” he said.

  • Ebonyi extends scholarship for master’s degree students

    Ebonyi extends scholarship for master’s degree students

    The Ebonyi State Government has approved the extension of its scholarship scheme to enable beneficiaries currently undergoing master’s degree programmes to transition into doctoral studies, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen human capital development in the state.

    The approval, granted by the Ebonyi State Scholarship Board, comes nearly one year after Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru launched a landmark education initiative that saw over 200 Ebonyi indigenes sponsored to the United Kingdom for postgraduate studies.

    Also, more than 500 others were placed in reputable universities across Nigeria.

    Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Leo Oketa, announced the extension of the scholarship in a statement on Saturday.

    According to him, several beneficiaries are completing their master’s programmes this month, with others expected to finish by June.

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    He said the scholars have been directed to formally begin applying to various universities to initiate seamless progression into PhD programmes, in line with institutional requirements.

    Oketa described the move as part of a well-structured and long-term strategy rather than a one-off intervention.

    The initiative, he said, was designed to promote academic excellence, leadership development, and sustainable growth by equipping Ebonyi indigenes with advanced knowledge and global exposure.

    Oketa noted that Governor Nwifuru’s administration had continued to emphasize capacity building as a cornerstone of its development agenda, prioritizing investments in education over short-term gains or publicity.

    He explained that the scholarship scheme reflects a deliberate commitment to preparing a new generation of professionals and researchers who will contribute meaningfully to the state’s future.

    Oketa added that the scholarship extension is expected to further enhance the state’s growing pool of highly trained manpower and reinforce Ebonyi State’s position as a strong advocate for education-driven development.

  • Host communities reject Ebonyi govt’s plan for Nigercem

    Host communities reject Ebonyi govt’s plan for Nigercem

    Host communities of Niger Cement Company in Ebonyi state have raised serious concerns over the state government’s plan to establish a new cement plant.

    They warned that the move threatens their land rights and the lawful future of Nigercem Plc.

    They stated this in a letter dated January 7, 2026, addressed to Governor Francis Nwifuru through their solicitors, Gamzaki Law Chambers.

    The host communities include: Nkalagu, Umuhuali, Amezu and Nkalaha all in Ishielu local government area of the state

    The communities accused certain political actors of attempting to undermine existing legal agreements and court judgments relating to Nigercem Plc.

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    The letter recalled that in 2010, Ibeto Group lawfully acquired majority shareholding in Nigercem Plc and became its core investor.

    It noted that the subsequent revocation of Ibeto Group’s mining lease by the Ebonyi State Government under a previous administration was challenged in court, with judgments delivered between 2010 and 2013 in favour of Ibeto Group and the host communities.

    According to the communities, assurances were given by the present administration during the election campaign to collaborate with Ibeto Group to revive Nigercem Plc.

    They acknowledged that a 15-man committee was constituted in August 2025 to engage relevant stakeholders but lamented that no report or recommendations from the committee have been made public.

    They lamented the governor’s announcement during the 2026 budget presentation of plans to borrow ₦150 billion to construct a new state-owned cement plant.

    The communities also expressed alarm over a meeting held on December 31, 2025, where certain individuals allegedly issued a fresh “consent letter” purporting to revoke earlier agreements granted to Ibeto Group.

    The landlord communities insist that the proposed location for the new cement plant lacks commercially viable limestone deposits and that the project would depend entirely on limestone found within Nigercem host communities.

    They rejected the authority of what they described as an unauthorised and self-appointed committee claiming to speak on their behalf.

    While reiterating that they are not opposed to development or genuine efforts to revive Nigercem Plc, the communities warned that they would resist any attempt to convert Nigercem into a mere limestone excavation zone or to strip them of the benefits of industrial development through political manipulation.

    The State Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Chidi Onyia could not be reached for comments at the time of this report as he did not take calls nor respond to messages.

  • Coalition asks IG to probe allegations against lawmaker over harassment

    Coalition asks IG to probe allegations against lawmaker over harassment

    A coalition of Civil Society Groups in Ebonyi State has called on Inspector-General of Police (IG), Kayode Egbetokun, to investigate allegations that a House of Representatives member uses thugs to harass some of his constituents.

    The Prof. Joseph Agbo-led coalition said the call became necessary because petitions to police authorities on the activities of the lawmaker had stalled for months.

    In one of the petitions, the coalition accused the lawmaker of unlawful possession of firearms and land-grabbing.

    It listed some indigenes of the constituency, including Friday Alefia, a reporter and Chisom Achor, a Tik-toker, as being behind bars after they were arrested and arraigned by the Police at the behest of the lawmaker.

    Others are Achor’s brother, Chinonso Imeba and one Paul Nweke .

    The group, which comprises four Civil Society Organisations–Human Rights Volunteer Corps, HRVC, Human Rights Action Group, Centre for the Defense of Human Rights, CDHR and Good Living Initiative, added that a few others had been compelled to flee their communities to avert falling victims of the lawmaker’s thugs.

    One of the petitions sent to Egbetokun and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, by the group’s lawyers, Ede S. Ede & Co, on behalf of Emeka Kingsley, Nweke Chidi, and others was dated November 25.

    The petition reads in part, “It is our client’s brief that they have seen evil and what appears to be a permanent life in hell fire in the hands of the Honourable. Our clients say that the actions of the lawmaker are not only atrocious but it is a situation of the timid mentality of might is right syndrome.

    “Our clients contend that the lawmaker displays firearms with ammunition anyhow and shoots without control as he feels untouchable and has boasted severally that not even the Inspector-General of Police can question his activities as he is his personal friend.

    “’Our clients say that honourable finds it very pleasurable to oppress the poor and any dissenting voice, more especially when the person or persons refuses to pay illegal levy which he often uses his cronies to levy on the downtrodden in the Amagu and other communities in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State or that the person refuses to surrender his land (s) to grab.’’

    The coalition listed 46 persons, including the deceased, as victims of the lawmaker’s alleged reign of terror and appealed to concerned authorities to use their good offices to cause a discreet investigation into the allegations.

    The coalition had last week decried the high level of attacks on free speech by the lawmaker who has been in the news for causing the detention of those who criticise him on social media in police cells and correctional centres.

    Also, a commissioner in the state, who, allegedly ordered the torture of a journalist by the members of the Neighborhood Watch was rebuked by the group .

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    The coalition’s leader, Agbo, at recent appearances on television and radio programmes had reiterated that although the group’s do not in any way support defamation of characters of anyone, cyber-bullying or cyber-stalking of any kind among others, the allegations leveled against Ogah were too heavy not to be investigated by the concerned authorities.

    He specifically made reference to Alefia, whose case was referred to a Federal High Court, He said the judge fined that prosecutor N50, 000 for attempting to ensure that he does not get bail.”

    He said the group’s biggest concern was that ‘’as long as there are laws in our land, even if one commits murder, the laws have provided for how such a person should be handled according to law.’’

    ‘’As a coalition, we never and we would never support cyber-bullying of anybody. But we don’t want the cybercrime laws to become another Public Officers Protection Against False Accusation Decree Number 2 under the military rule. We are worried that the cybercrimes law appears to be slipping into that Decree’’’ the coalition boss added.

    “What we are saying is that the Hon. did not go to arrest any of these persons. The Police did. He did not drag any of them to these courts. The Police also did.

    ‘’The judiciary is the one that is hearing these cases. But the point we are making is: Why do you arrest somebody, handcuff him like a common criminal for cyber-bullying or defamation and you dump him in the station for weeks, or for days, and in the case of Friday Alefia, for months. Why do you refer a case of cyberbullying to a magistrate court?’’

  • Barber, tricycle operator killed in suspected cultist attack

    Barber, tricycle operator killed in suspected cultist attack

    Two young men were reportedly killed on Saturday night in Oriuzor community, Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State in a suspected cult-related attack allegedly carried out by members of a rival cult group.

    Sources in the area said the assailants, believed to be members of the Vikings confraternity stormed the area around nightfall and attacked two men identified as Ifeanyi Ogele and Emmanuel Obumneme Nweke.

    Ogele, a barber and an alleged to be a member Neo Black Movement (NBM), also known as Aye, was reportedly the main target.

    It was gathered that his assailants had allegedly being on his trail for a while for allegedly playing a role in the killing of a senior Vikings leader, a claim that sparked the reprisal.

    Read Also: Suspected cultist, robber nabbed enroute attack on rival group in Anambra 

    However, confusion surrounds the killing of the second victim, Emmanuel, who locals described as a tricycle operator and not a cultist.

    Sources in the community noted that Emmanuel may have been a victim of the attack simply for being at the wrong place at the wrong time, having stopped by the barbershop to get a haircut when the attackers struck.

    Residents lamented that cult violence has been on the rise in the community and called on government and security agencies to intervene.

    Police spokesperson confirmed the killings.  He gave the names of the victims as Ogele Ifeanyi, a barber who was killed at his shop and Nweke Obumneme Emmanuel, a Keke rider.

    “The incident occurred on Saturday around 10pm. The command is investigating the incident,” he said.

  • Six die, 14 injured in Ebonyi accident

    Six die, 14 injured in Ebonyi accident

    Tragedy struck on Friday morning near the Nkalagu Flyover along the Nkalagu–Enugu highway when a commercial bus collided head-on with a tipper truck, leaving six persons dead and 14 others with varying degrees of injuries.

    The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ebonyi State, Anthony Ogbodo confirmed the incident. 

    He said that a report from the Nkalagu Unit Command  noted that the crash which occurred at about 9:40 a.m. was attributed to dangerous overtaking on the busy route.

    “The patrol team received the distress call at 9:45 a.m. and arrived at the scene within five minutes, preventing further casualties”, he said.

    Ogbodo said the accident involved a white Toyota Hiace bus with registration number AGU 307 XA and a Mercedes-Benz 911 tipper truck registered as JRV 872 XA. 

    He noted the vehicles were said to be on commercial duty when the tragic collision occurred on the paved section of the road close to the flyover.

    “A total of 22 persons were involved in the crash — 10 females and 12 males. Of these, six persons — three men and three women — lost their lives on the spot, while 14 others (nine men and five women) sustained serious injuries. Two male occupants escaped unhurt.”, she said.

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    Mr Ogbodo said FRSC personnel, in collaboration with the Red Cross, swiftly evacuated the injured victims.

    He said those with critical injuries were rushed to Annunciation Hospital and the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, while others received treatment at Ezzamgbo General Hospital, Ebonyi State.

    The Sector Commander confirmed that the road obstruction caused by the wreckage was promptly cleared to restore the free flow of traffic.

    “Items recovered from the scene included two small Itel handsets, a tipper vehicle key, and ₦2,000 in cash.”

  • Heavy rains threaten rice production, say Abakaliki farmers

    Heavy rains threaten rice production, say Abakaliki farmers

    • 21 states at high risk of flooding, NiMet warns
    • Lagos govt to residents: no need to panic over flashfloods

    Rice farmers in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, have said incessant rainfall threatens this year’s rice production and harvest.

    The farmers expressed their concerns in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in the capital town.

    They spoke amidst persistent downpours that have led to flooding, waterlogging, and crop losses across major rice-growing areas in the state.

    Amid the heavy rains and the attendant flooding, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned that 21 states are at a high risk of flooding this season.

    The weatherman’s warning came as the Lagos State government assured residents that they have no cause to worry about the recent flash floods that occurred across the state.

    Meanwhile, a prominent rice farmer in Izzi Local Government Area, Mr. Emmanuel Nwali, said nearly half of his rice farm had been submerged due to the heavy rainfall.

    “The floods have destroyed most of our work. What is left is already turning yellow.

    “It has been raining almost daily since mid-July. We may not expect a bountiful harvest this season,” Nwali said.

    Another farmer, Mr. Chinedu Okenwa, said he lost his nursery beds to flooding.

    “I don’t know how to make up for the losses because, as it stands, I cannot transplant. The nursery has been destroyed.

    “We risk a poor yield this season, and that may cause a sharp rise in the price of local rice next year. We are facing a difficult period due to the weather,” he added.

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    A commercial rice farmer, Mr. Aloysius Njoku, said he had lost a large portion of his rice farm to flooding and feared the development would negatively affect the harvest.

    “The rains and the attendant flooding have been so devastating. If nothing is done, rice will become scarce and expensive, and everyone will feel it,” Njoku said.

    A civil servant and subsistence rice farmer, Mrs. Sylvia Elom, expressed concern that the destruction of farmlands by heavy rainfall would impact many households that rely on rice cultivation for their livelihood.

    “Rice is the major source of income for the majority of our people, who are mainly agrarians. When floods destroy our farms, we are left with nothing,” she said.

    A private agricultural extension expert, Dr. Paul Onwe, noted that rice is highly sensitive to prolonged flooding.

    In its latest heavy rainfall forecast, NiMet said the state faced a high risk of flooding between yesterday and today.

    The states are: Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Anambra, Imo, Ebonyi, Enugu, Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Plateau, Niger, Nasarawa, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Taraba, Adamawa, Bauchi, southern Borno, Kano, and Katsina.

    The weatherman’s forecast reads: “The prevailing atmospheric conditions are highly conducive for intense and prolonged rainfall, which, when combined with already saturated soil profiles and elevated river levels, significantly increases the risk of flooding, particularly in low-lying areas and communities located near major rivers and streams.”

    Data from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) shows that 191 persons have died, 94 are missing, and 134,435 persons have been affected by this year’s flooding.

    NiMet said 239 persons sustained various injuries, 48,056 were displaced, 9,499 houses were affected and 9,450 farmlands were destroyed across 47 local government areas in 20 states.

    The states affected by flooding, according to NEMA, are: Abia, the FCT, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Ondo, Rivers, and Sokoto states.

    The Lagos State government attributed the flash floods to climate change and prolonged rainfall.

    Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, gave the assurance during an interactive session on the X (formerly Twitter) Space series tagged: “Ask Lagos” on Tuesday night.

    Wahab explained that the flooding, which affected Ijede, Agungi in Lekki, and parts of Ikorodu, was the result of a downpour that lasted over 15 hours in some locations.

    “Lagosians, there is no need to panic; climate issues are real-life issues. Let me assure all that the government will continue to put in place resilient infrastructure to manage these eventualities,” he said.

    In Imo State, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has issued an evacuation alert to residents of Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area.

    The agency warned that rising floodwaters pose an imminent threat to lives, homes, and livelihoods in the area.

    The alert followed a joint flood assessment mission by NEMA and the Federal Fire Service, Owerri Station, after residents raised alarm over unusual water levels across villages in the oil-rich area.

    In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, NEMA confirmed that floodwaters were advancing rapidly, encroaching on homes, infrastructure, and farmlands across multiple communities.

    The agency said it had put in place a team to oversee the situation.

    “The joint team, led by Assistant Chief Search and Rescue Officer, Mr. Nweze Innocent, visited affected parts of the Abacheke community.

    Accompanied by the Secretary to the Traditional Ruler, Mr. Nwabuchi Eminent, the team observed that floodwaters were steadily encroaching into residential areas, with visible signs of submergence affecting parts of the community,” the statement said.