A member of the House of Representatives from Kwara State, Dr. Ahmed Saba, says about 5,000 hectares of rice plantations, worth N11.5bn, were devastated by the recent flooding at Shonga, Edu Local Government Area of the state.

The flood submerged farmlands in several communities across three local government areas of Kwara State.

The unusual flooding, which began on the night of Friday, February 24, 2025, affected communities in the Moro, Edu, and Patigi Local Government Areas.

Saba, who represents the Edu/Moro/Patigi Federal Constituency, visited the site of the disaster in Shonga, Edu LGA, on Saturday and confirmed that other communities were similarly impacted.

“The flooding has ravaged rice plantations in Fonga and Jebba in Moro; Lade, Patigi, and Kpada Districts in Patigi; and Shonga, Bacita, and Lafiagi in Edu LGA,” Saba reported. “Over 5,000 rice farmers have been affected by this incident, which is believed to have been caused by the opening of dams in Jebba and Kanji, Niger State,” he added.

Describing the flood as a major threat to the country’s food security, Saba expressed deep regret over the extent of the damage.

“Farmers who had been engaged in dry season farming were shocked to see their land flooded, as this typically does not happen outside the rainy season,” he said.

Saba further emphasised the high quality of rice produced in the affected areas, highlighting that the rice from Moro, Edu, and Patigi is some of the best in Nigeria and feeds many Nigerians.

“What happened to my people is devastating. We’re used to flooding during the rainy season, but this flood is unlike anything we’ve seen before, especially during the dry season,” Saba lamented. “The opening of the dams in Jebba and Kanji has caused serious harm. Billions of naira have been lost, and many farmers who had invested over the past three months are left in despair.”

Saba added that the flooding was a major food security risk, stressing that the rice produced in these areas is a crucial part of the national food supply.

“The opening of the dams seems suspicious. We need a thorough investigation into why this water was released, especially at this time of year when we’re in the dry season,” he said.

The legislator vowed to raise the issue in the House of Representatives as soon as the Assembly reconvenes from recess. He called on federal agencies to investigate the causes of the flood.

To help mitigate the effects of the disaster, Saba distributed aid to the affected farmers, including 150 bags of NPK fertilizer, 50 knapsack sprayers, 50 bags of rice seeds, 170 liters of pesticides, and 10 solar water pumping machines.

“The House of Representatives is currently on recess, but when we reconvene, we will introduce a motion to address this matter,” Saba said. “We also call on the Ministries of Agriculture and Water Resources to examine what happened and find ways to support the farmers so they can return to their work. At the National Assembly, we are doing our part by providing immediate relief through fertilizers, water pumps, and other supplies.”

Saba acknowledged the efforts of the Kwara State government, which had sent a delegation to the affected areas and provided support to the farmers.

In addition, Gideon Yisa, a member of the Kwara State House of Assembly representing Edu Constituency, expressed his concern for the farmers.

“This is a tragic situation,” Yisa said. “The farmers were not expecting this flood because they had already left their land fallow for the dry season. The dam operators did not warn them about the water release, which has severely impacted the farmers and the local economy. This is a threat to food security.”

Yisa urged the federal government to act swiftly to support the farmers.

“This is a matter of national importance. If nothing is done, it could lead to hunger and insecurity. Many of the issues we face, including insurgency and banditry, are linked to unemployment and lack of opportunities,” he said.

The Emir of Shonga, Dr. Haliru Yahya, also expressed surprise at the flooding during a visit by a state government delegation.

“There has been no rain from here to Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso, Niger, or Mali. The Sahel is dry, so how could there be flooding here?” he questioned. “The source of this flood must be local.”

The Emir confirmed that officials from the Kainji Dam denied any involvement in the flooding, while Jebba Dam authorities admitted to opening the dam and indicated they would soon close it.

He urged for a thorough investigation to prevent a repeat of the disaster.

“We have worked hard for many years to attract people to this area, and we hope this does not happen again, as it would exacerbate food insecurity,” he said.

FirstBank has appealed the Federal High Court judgement that lifted the order placed on the assets of General Hydrocarbons Limited, its directors, and shareholders.

In a statement issued by the bank on Sunday, it warned other banks to be cautious in complying with the ruling of Justice Deinde Dipeolu, disclosing that it has appealed the discharge of the ruling and that the decision of the banks to comply with the ruling was premature.

The statement read, “Our attention has been drawn to recent media reports suggesting that some banks have begun complying with the ruling of Honourable Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court, Lagos, which lifted the Mareva order placed on the assets of General Hydrocarbons Limited, its directors, and shareholders. We would like to state that such action is premature, as the necessary steps for banks and stakeholders to comply with the court’s decision have not yet been completed.

“Notwithstanding the above, FirstBank has also appealed against the discharge of the Mareva order and applied for an injunction and/or suspension of the discharge order pending the determination of the appeal. In view of the pending appeal and motion for injunction, banks are expected to maintain the status quo.

FirstBank remains committed to protecting the interests of its shareholders, depositors, and stakeholders. We will continue to pursue all available legal avenues to recover un-serviced debts from debtors, ensuring that those who have defaulted on their obligations are held accountable.

“We wish to seize this medium to assure all our valued stakeholders that FirstBank remains strong, stable, and fully committed to resolving this issue in line with the provisions of the law. We are actively addressing all matters at hand with transparency and diligence while remaining focused.”

Justice Dipeolu on Wednesday vacated an ex parte Mareva injunction that froze the assets of General Hydrocarbons Limited, a Nigerian oil and gas services company, in connection with a disputed $225.8m loan debt, holding that the injunction violated an existing order from a court of concurrent jurisdiction.

GHL disclosed that banks have begun to comply with the order following the court pronouncement.

The Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Rasheed Olabomi, yesterday denied claims that he was inciting the public against Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and his executive council (exco), over his approval of a new Chieftaincy Law for his community.

The monarch said his only plea to Governor Adeleke to rescind his approval of the new law for the town was misconstrued by mischief makers.

The Nation reports that Adeleke approved a new Chieftaincy Law, which included Lagbua Ruling House, among royal families, hence, Oba Olabomi kicked against it, noting that the decision might cause crisis in his domain.

The monarch, addressing reporters in his palace yesterday, said his protest against the decision of Adeleke was not inciting, but to express his displeasure, which was supported by democracy.

He said: “I have high regard for Governor Adeleke and the exco. Hence, I could not have contemplated disrespecting constituted authority.

“I have very close relationship with many members of the exco and I have never failed to give them high regard. For the past 17 years that I have been enthroned, I have been committed to the pursuit and maintenance of peace in my domain, as well as in other parts of the state. I can, therefore, never incite the public against the governor or his exco.“

He said he met Governor Adeleke on January 28, 2024 in Iragbiji and even weeks ago at the airport where he accorded him best of regard.

“I like to, again, passionately appeal to Governor Adeleke and the exco  to reconsider their stand on the Aragbiji Chieftaincy,” he said.