By Ogenyi Ogenyi

Thousands of residents have been displaced after heavy rainfall triggered widespread flooding across Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, disrupting transport, businesses and schools.

The downpour, which began around 4 a.m. on Thursday, submerged homes, churches and major roads, leaving many communities inaccessible. Residents shared videos showing flooded neighbourhoods and damaged property. Some traders were unable to open their businesses, while many workers and schoolchildren remained stranded as floodwaters covered several streets.

Residents in some affected areas blamed poor drainage and inadequate infrastructure for the recurring flooding, while others pointed to the impact of climate change. Youths reportedly staged a protest along Ikot Ekpene Road, calling for a lasting solution to persistent flooding in the area.

A resident, Anthony Nyong, said flooding has become a recurring problem in parts of Uyo and urged the government to address drainage challenges. In response, the Akwa Ibom State Government directed construction firms to immediately clear drainage channels and evacuate floodwaters from affected communities.

Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umana, said Governor Umo Eno also directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the Ministry of Environment, and the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency to assess the damage and implement emergency measures.The government expressed sympathy to affected residents and said immediate interventions had begun while longer-term flood mitigation measures were being considered.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had earlier warned of possible flooding in several states during the current rainy season.

By Israel Adamu

The Plateau State High Court has adjourned proceedings in the suit challenging the June 9 judgment recognising some Hausa residents as indigenes of Jos North Local Government Area until October 29, 2026, following a dispute over the legal representation of the respondents.

Justice C. Donglong fixed the date to rule on a preliminary objection challenging the appearance of a new legal team for the judgment creditors before hearing applications seeking to set aside the judgment.The June 9 judgment was delivered after Jos North Local Government Council did not enter an appearance when the case was heard. The council is now asking the court to vacate the judgment.

At Friday’s proceedings, counsel to the local government and the indigenous ethnic groups, Chief Garba Pwul (SAN), argued that the respondents’ new lawyers had not complied with the Plateau State High Court Rules governing a change of legal representation.

According to Pwul, Order 52 of the court rules requires a formal notice before new counsel can take over a matter. He urged residents to remain calm and allow the judicial process to continue.Counsel to the Berom ethnic group, Edward Pwajok (SAN), said the Berom, Afizere and Anaguta communities had filed separate applications seeking to join the case and have the judgment set aside.

Responding, counsel to the judgment creditors, Yakubu H. (SAN), maintained that the respondents were constitutionally entitled to engage legal practitioners of their choice. Another counsel, Idris Mubakar, said his clients were satisfied to allow the court to determine the matter in accordance with the law.

By Israel Adamu

Herders in Kwok community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, have alleged harassment, intimidation and destruction of property following a security operation in the area.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday, community members claimed that security operatives conducted a raid on Saturday and returned to the community on four consecutive days. They alleged that cash, metal containers and other valuables were missing from their homes after the operation.

A community elder, Yusuf Muhammad, alleged that the operatives entered the settlement around noon on Saturday, firing gunshots into the air and causing panic among residents.

According to him, the operation disrupted the community, scattered livestock and left some residents, including children, with injuries. He urged security agencies to conduct operations professionally and in accordance with the law. Another resident, Zainab Abubakar, alleged that armed operatives forced their way into her home during the exercise.

Community leader Abubakar Usman called for improved cooperation between security agencies and residents, saying the community would support lawful efforts to identify criminal suspects if properly engaged. Efforts to obtain official responses from the Plateau State Police Command and Operation Safe Haven, the military task force responsible for security in the area, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.