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

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.

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has appointed former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), and former Minister of Defence and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, as co-chairmen of the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund Board.

The inauguration, held at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna, marks a major step in the North’s regional response to worsening insecurity.

The board comprises retired military officers and former security chiefs drawn from the 19 northern states to provide strategic oversight, mobilise resources, enhance intelligence sharing and coordinate efforts against banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and cattle rustling.

Other members include former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya (Sokoto); former Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba (Yobe); former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha (Adamawa); Sen. Napoleon Bali (rtd) (Plateau); former Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Hafiz Inuwa (Jigawa); AVM Kabiru Aliyu (Taraba); Prof. Usman Tar (Borno); Maj. Gen. A.M. Dikko (Niger); AIG Sunday Babaji (Gombe); AVM Farouk Omeiza Umar (Kogi); Maj. Gen. Muhammad Sani (Kano); Maj. Gen. Bello Sarkin Yaki (Kebbi); Maj. Gen. John Malu (Benue); and Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Agbab (Kwara), among others.

Speaking at the inauguration, NSGF Chairman and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, said the Trust Fund would complement, rather than replace, the efforts of the Federal Government and security agencies.

He said the initiative must remain focused, responsive and credible, stressing that its success would be measured by its ability to protect lives and property.

The governors also resolved that each of the 19 northern states, alongside their local government councils, would contribute ₦1 billion monthly for 12 months to fund the initiative.

Traditional rulers, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, endorsed the initiative, describing it as a practical and long-overdue response to the region’s security challenges.