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Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have arrested 43 suspected internet fraudsters in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State. On Wednesday, the EFCC announced the arrest of no fewer than 33 suspected internet fraudsters in Port Harcourt, recovering counterfeit dollars, among other items. This brings the total number of suspected internet fraudsters
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The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, NIHSA, and the Benue State government have raised an alarm over the rising water levels of River Benue which may lead to flooding. Recall that the Benue State government has designated Internally Displaced Persons camps, IDPs, for would-be victims of the impending flood and also asked those living close to
Flood alert: NIHASA warns residents over rising water levels of River Benue
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, NIHSA, and the Benue State government have raised an alarm over the rising water levels of River Benue which may lead to flooding.
Recall that the Benue State government has designated Internally Displaced Persons camps, IDPs, for would-be victims of the impending flood and also asked those living close to the river banks to relocate to safe areas.
Reports made available to the public on Sunday by NIHSA indicate a steady increase in water levels that will lead to massive flooding.
“Water levels recorded at key gauge stations are alarming, with Wuro Boki at 6.36 metres and Jimeta Bridge at 5.04 metres.
“Ibbi station stands at 8.2 metres, Makurdi at 9.4 metres and Lokoja (Niger River) at 8.68 metres,” the report said.
It noted that the rising waters, especially at Makurdi and Ibbi, had placed the River Benue Basin on high alert.
NIHASA advised immediate preventive measures in states along the river, particularly those previously identified as flood-prone.
“The water levels at our critical stations along the River Benue Basin as of Saturday, September 21, 2024, show steady increases towards flood levels,” NIHSA stated.
The agency stressed the urgency of improving water conveyance and flood containment to protect vulnerable communities.
It added that they would monitor river levels and provide updates to help authorities and the public mitigate flood risks.
The Director, Operational Hydrology, NIHSA, Femi Bejide urged residents to vacate flood plains immediately.
“The flooding we are seeing now is caused by heavy rainfall and precipitation. However, river flooding is about to start and it will be severe.
“Communities in Bayelsa and Jigawa States are particularly vulnerable due to their geography.
“Authorities have advised against building on flood plains, yet this remains a recurring issue.
“We’ve repeatedly told people to move from these areas but the problem persists,” Bejide added.
Bejide stated that many Nigerians were waiting for government palliatives, which have become politicised, further complicating response efforts.
Benue State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Aondowase Kunde disclosed that International Market, Suswam Thank You Primary School and Demekpe Primary School in Makurdi as well as Akume Atongo Stadium in Katsina-Ala, RCM Primary School in Logo will serve as camps for those that will be displaced.
Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Odoh Ugwu appealed to those living along the river banks to relocate to the earmarked camps in the state.
“Between Saturday and Sunday morning, the water level has increased tremendously and is fast approaching the danger stage.
“We received an alert that water will be released from Lagdo Dam for seven days starting from last Wednesday and today, Sunday is the 5th day and we continue to gauge the water level.
“What we have as of this morning is a little scary. We need to take proactive measures. Going by the fact that yesterday [Saturday] morning, the water level was 09.40 and in the evening was 09.50. This morning it rose to 09.57.
“We try to compare our records with what we have as of last year. The highest level was 10.20 and there were heavy rainfalls. So going by the rate that the water level is increasing now, I believe by the end of today [Sunday] we will hit 10,” he said.
He urged the people to take the warning seriously and relocate to safer and higher grounds.
Flood alert: NIHASA warns residents over rising water levels of River Benue
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing good governance to the people, not just to a few individuals who consider themselves as bigwigs. The governor made this statement while briefing State House Correspondents shortly after meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Thursday in Abuja. Alia said
I don’t serve bigwig but people of Benue – Gov Alia
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing good governance to the people, not just to a few individuals who consider themselves as bigwigs.
The governor made this statement while briefing State House Correspondents shortly after meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Thursday in Abuja.
Alia said he was at the State House to brief the President on the affairs of Benue State, especially the security and ecological situation in the state.
The clergyman-turned-politician said the poor masses are the backbone of democracy, who elected him to serve them, not those who see themselves as power brokers in the state.
He further revealed that his government is focusing on empowering the people of Benue State, particularly the youths.
The governor noted that over 10,000 youths are being trained in digital skills, while some youths are being sponsored by the state government to China for skills acquisition.
“I serve the people. I don’t know who the bigwigs are. We must be in this seat with our consciences, and this is why I take the masses seriously. Being a servant leader makes the magic work. I have been out there; I know where it hurts them most. They should take it easy on themselves and the poor masses.
“We have sent a few youths to China to acquire skills to ensure that our young people are empowered and gain power. We do not have any reason to have food insecurity. We were slowed down by the insecurity that affected some LGAs, but we have picked up. We are hiring 9,700 trained, educated teachers next week into our education sector,” Governor Alia disclosed.
Speaking on the security situation in Benue State, he said relative peace is being enjoyed across all 23 local government areas, though there are a few skirmishes in 3 local governments.
The governor also denied allegations that he is imposing candidates on the electorate ahead of the October 5 Local Government election in Benue State.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has cautioned judges and lawyers against being compromised and delivering conflicting court rulings. His statement followed some conflicting judgments that almost hindered the conduct of the local government election held in the state. “Some of you say you are legal luminaries. You know the truth, but you will go on
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Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has cautioned judges and lawyers against being compromised and delivering conflicting court rulings. His statement followed some conflicting judgments that almost hindered the conduct of the local government election held in the state. “Some of you say you are legal luminaries. You know the truth, but you will go on