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Borno: Evacuation of corpses, trapped persons begins in Maduguri after floods

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Thousands of families trapped in Maiduguri flooded areas are being evacuated to safer areas by the military, volunteers and other security agencies.

Visiting the most affected areas in Maiduguri, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, toured through the Customs area where the broken prison is located.

While on the tour, dead bodies were also being evacuated. Trapped persons were also being evacuated by the military, security agencies and civilian volunteers.

Although some flooded areas of Maiduguri have receded, badly affected areas like Gamboru Market, Kasuwan Shanu, Custom Area, Fori, and Abbaganaram are actively flooded.

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The premises of the Nigerian prisons is still being flooded while public infrastructure, amenities, shops and vehicles are completely submerged by the flood.

Women, children and vulnerable persons are mostly those trapped and being evacuated.

In the entourage of the Minister are the Controller-Generals of Immigration, Correctional Service and the Secretary of Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board.

Several aerial videos and photos shared by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) with AFP showed rows of houses submerged in murky water.

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Maiduguri, an epicentre of more than a decade-long jihadist insurgency, serves as the hub for the responses to the humanitarian crisis in the northeast region.

The United Nations refugee agency in Nigeria (UNHCR) on its X account said it was the city’s worst flooding in 30 years.

“It is an unprecedented incident,” NEMA spokesman Ezekiel Manzo told AFP on Tuesday. “Some of the central parts of the city that have not witnessed flood in so many years are witnessing it today.”

Thousands of homes have been submerged by the rapid rise of waters after the rupture of the Alau dam on the Ngadda River, 20 kilometres (12 miles) south of Maiduguri.

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“The last three days have over 150,000 individuals with over 23,000 households affected,” said NEMA zonal coordinator Surajo Garba.

But with more locations being hit, “we are sure the figure will be much over 200,000 individuals,” Garba forecast.

“The flood, which began over the weekend and worsened in the following days, was the direct result of excess water from the Alau Dam,” said Nigeria’s Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who hails from Maiduguri as he visited the area.

“The collapse of the spillways unleashed a significant surge of water downstream, causing widespread flooding in the surrounding communities,” added Shettima.

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The flood also inundated the city’s post office and main zoo, with authorities warning that “deadly animals has been washed away into our communities (sic).”

Social media showed pictures of an ostrich which had supposedly escaped from the facility wandering the streets of the city.

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Pastor Damina Takes strong stance on Church Controversies: Salvation, Hell, and the Truth About Tithing

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

In a thought-provoking appearance on TVC’s “Your View,” Pastor Abel Damina, founder of Abel Damina Ministries International, made waves by asserting that Christianity is the only faith that guarantees eternal salvation.

The televangelist, known for his unconventional views on heaven and hell, challenged prevailing beliefs by declaring that hell is not a fiery place, but rather a state of “utter darkness.” His teachings have ignited heated debates, attracting both fervent supporters and vocal critics who question his interpretations of scripture.

During the discussion, Damina emphasized that individuals across various religions ultimately seek salvation, a deep relationship with God, and forgiveness for their sins. However, co-panelist Dr. Maureen YK countered his claims, asserting that one cannot dismiss other spiritualities as ineffective without firsthand experience of their practices.

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Many followers of other religions remain spiritually unsatisfied and in search of true salvation

In a passionate defense, Pastor Damina shared insights from his 40 years of ministry experience, arguing that many followers of other religions remain spiritually unsatisfied and in search of true salvation.

Touching on the contentious topic of tithing, Damina clarified a recent video where he appeared to promote non-payment of tithes. He stressed that God is not a transactional deity and referenced Galatians 3:13 to assert that Jesus has already fulfilled the law’s requirements, making mandatory tithing irrelevant. He encouraged voluntary and cheerful giving, free from compulsion.

He stressed that God is not a transactional deity and referenced Galatians 3:13 to assert that Jesus has already fulfilled the law’s requirements, making mandatory tithing irrelevant

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As Damina’s teachings continue to stir controversy, his bold perspectives challenge traditional Christian beliefs and invite deeper conversations about faith and spirituality.

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First Lady denies leading national prayer

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The First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, on Saturday, refuted reports that she will be leading a seven-day national prayer for Nigeria.

This followed a report last week that Mrs Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Mrs Nuhu Ribadu, will spearhead a national prayer session to tackle the country’s numerous challenges.

The reports quoted the Director-General of the National Prayer Forum, Segun Afolorunikan, announcing the event in Abuja.

Afolorunikan had said the initiative, coordinated with Christian and Muslim religious leaders, intends to seek divine intervention for the country’s socio-economic and security issues, under the theme ‘Seeking the Intervention of God in Nigeria’s Affairs.’

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“Christians will meet at the National Ecumenical Centre for a week of intense prayer, with prayer warriors from various denominations focusing their efforts on the nation’s adversities,” said the convener.

However, the First Lady has denied knowing any such arrangement saying a call for prayer must be done “willingly, conscientiously and correctly.”

Mrs Tinubu’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs Busola Kukoyi, conveyed this in a statement she signed Saturday titled ‘First Lady of Nigeria Oluremi Tinubu, CON refutes organising national prayer.’

It read, “This is to clarify and inform the general public that the First Lady of Nigeria is not organising a national prayer.

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“The news making rounds in some conventional and social media platforms is unfounded and misleading.

“Consequently, anyone who might have come across the purported news of the joint National Prayer for Nigeria should disregard it as false.”

Kukoyi said the First Lady, a Christian and strong advocate of prayer and praying for Nigeria, believes that prayer is an act that must be done willingly, conscientiously and correctly.

“She also believes that praying for Nigeria is the responsibility of every Nigerian, irrespective of religious belief, political affiliation, tribe or tongue.

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“Members of the public are advised to verify the authenticity of any news or event involving the First Lady of Nigeria or her office through official channels,” the statement concluded.

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25 Shops destroyed as fire guts building in Ilorin

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A building of 25 shops has been gutted by fire in the early hours of Saturday in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital.

According to the state fire service, the incident occurred at Adeta roundabout at about 02.39 hours.

A statement in Ilorin on Saturday by the spokesman of the service, Hassan Adekunle, said the firefighters, upon arrival, found a block of about 25 shops engulfed in flames.

“Thanks to the swift action and bravery of the Kwara State fire service officers, only three shops suffered damage, including a soft drinks and alcohol shop.

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“Preliminary investigations indicated that the fire was caused by a power surge,” the statement disclosed.

The Director of the State Fire Service, Prince John Falade Olumuyiwa, expressed sympathy for the affected shop owners, offering prayers for the restoration of their losses.

He also urged the public to prioritize safety and ensure all electrical appliances are unplugged when not in use.

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