The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has warned of severe heat stress in Gombe State and 17 other Northern states.

The other states are Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Yobe, Bauchi, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa, Benue, and the Federal Capital Territory.

This is contained in its weather outlook released on Friday and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria in Gombe on Saturday by the Meteorological Manager for Gombe State, Gayus Musa.

The agency said temperatures were expected to rise up to 40 degrees Celsius from Saturday, causing thermal discomfort in the affected states.

“After three days of rainfall, discomfort levels are set to rise from April 12 due to high temperatures and clear skies.

“Maximum temperatures in the north are reaching up to 40°C; with clear skies and moisture in the air, heat and discomfort will be more intense,” it said.

Musa urged Gombe residents to take proactive measures as extreme heat had significant health implications.

He warned that the rising temperatures and high humidity levels could cause thermal discomfort.

He advised residents to, therefore, avoid excessive sun exposure and seek cooler environments while recommending drinking plenty of water and avoiding strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day.

“I advise residents to stay in well-ventilated areas, wear breathable clothing, drink plenty of water, avoid peak sun hours between 12 pm to 3 pm, and use sun protection.

“Also, let’s always check up on vulnerable persons like our children and the elderly in our communities,” he said.

He urged stakeholders to create more awareness about heat stress risks and preventive measures essential for healthy living.

NAN

The United States Embassy has announced revised visa interview requirements for Nigerian applicants, set to take effect from April 22.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the US mission, all applicants attending interviews in Abuja and Lagos must present a DS-160 visa application form featuring a confirmation barcode beginning with “AA” followed by two zeroes.

The barcode must correspond with the one used to schedule the interview appointment online.

The embassy emphasised that failure to present matching barcode information will result in denial of entry to the consular section and disqualification from the interview.

“Starting April 22, 2025, all visa applicants in Abuja and Lagos must bring a DS-160 visa application form with a confirmation/barcode number (starting with AA and followed by 00 – two zeroes) that matches the one used to make their appointment online. You also must make your appointment in the location you selected when filling out your DS-160.

“Matching Barcode Numbers: If the confirmation/barcode number on your DS-160 form does not match the one you used to book your appointment, you will not be allowed to enter the Consular Section or attend your visa interview,” the statement read.

Applicants are advised to verify the alignment at least two weeks before their appointment.

The statement also clarified that previously used DS-160 forms cannot be reused. In the event of a mismatch, applicants are instructed to log into their AVITS account no later than ten days before the interview to submit a correction request.

The US mission noted, “At least two weeks before your interview, please double-check that the barcode number on your DS-160 form matches the one you used to schedule your appointment.

“You cannot reuse a DS-160 from a previous application.

“If your DS-160 barcode is incorrect, you must log into your AVITS account at least 10 days before your appointment to create a support ticket requesting correction of your barcode number.”

Additionally, the US mission reminded applicants to ensure that their visa appointment is scheduled at the location indicated in their DS-160 form.

“If you are turned away from your appointment because your barcode numbers do not match, once you correct the problem, you will need to book a new appointment to proceed with your visa application. You may book a new appointment by logging into your AVITS account at If your visa fee has expired, you may have to pay a new fee before booking,” it added.

These changes are part of ongoing efforts to streamline visa processing and reduce administrative errors.

Since January 1, all visa applicants have been required to visit the US Consulate General in Lagos twice as part of the application process.

Five persons sustained varying degrees of injuries when an explosion occurred inside a CCTV camera dealer’s shop along Kodesho Street, Computer Village, Ikeja area of the state on Friday evening.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin disclosed this in a statement.

Hundeyin said the explosion occurred around 6:35 pm.

The scene of the explosion and adjoining areas were immediately taken over and cordoned off by operatives of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit of the command, the Mobile Police Detachment and Conventional Police Teams, the PPRO stated.

He added that the scene was swept by the EOD experts of the command to ensure the safety of residents and facilitate a comprehensive investigation to determine the actual cause of the explosion.

According to him, five persons inside and around the shop that sustained various degrees of injury have been rescued and swiftly recovered to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) for medical attention.

“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, arrived at the scene within minutes for an on-the-spot assessment.

“He has assured the public that the command is fully on top of the situation and has urged residents of Lagos to remain calm and not to panic,” the police spokesman stated.

“While investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the explosion and other factors that might have caused the incident, the general public are enjoined to go about their lawful engagements and businesses peacefully without fear or apprehension, as the scene of the explosion and the adjoining area have been rendered safe and secured,” he added.

The command assured the general public of its commitment to continue to maintain peace and security throughout the state.