News
FG starts construction of dam in Bernie to check flooding
The Federal Government has announced that it has commenced work on the construction of a multi-purpose dam upstream of the River Dura in the Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State to contain the heavy water that flows from that axis.
The Deputy Director of Hydrology at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Robert Umezulike, disclosed this on Saturday while assessing the Makurdi-Gboko-Katsina-Ala highway, which was affected by the overflow of the River Dura that spilt onto the road.
Umezulike stated that the flood was caused by continuous sediment deposits in the river, which have reduced its depth and capacity to hold water.
He explained that the assessment team would evaluate the flood situation and report to the Minister for immediate action.
He said, “Over time, many of our rivers have become shallow due to sediment deposits in the water channels, which reduces their capacity to contain water. Consequently, when there is even a small amount of rain, the channels can become overwhelmed, resulting in flooding.
“Based on our observations, there is a need for a water reservoir upstream of the River Dura. In this regard, the ministry has already awarded a contract for the study and design of a multi-purpose dam that will help contain the water flowing from that axis.”
Speaking to journalists, the District Head of Mbaakura Ward, HRH Mathias Ager, reported that the flood has also submerged homes, farms, and property in the area.
Ager indicated that the level of water that overflows onto the highway during rain demonstrates the urgent need for the government to construct a dam to manage the water.
He also appealed to the Federal Government to rehabilitate the Makurdi-Gboko-Katsina-Ala road, which is currently cut off near the Abekwa settlement close to the River Dura bridge.
The monarch commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing Benue’s sons to key positions, particularly the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, urging them to continue supporting the president to succeed.
He expressed confidence in the capabilities of the Tiv representatives in Tinubu’s administration to deliver, assuring that they would not disappoint the country, the president, or the Tiv nation.
A Benue youth, Levinus Tyodoo, who spoke at the site of the damaged road, urged the Federal Government to rebuild the road to facilitate the movement of motorists and the transportation of farm produce.
Additionally, a motorist using the road, Terkimbi Atse, lamented that he had spent two days on a section of the road that should have taken only ten minutes to traverse.
News
Bauchi Commissioner Zaki, Confirms Custody of Alleged Abducted Child
…as rights lawyer say he took law into his hands
By Gloria Ikibah
The Bauchi State Commissioner for Water Resources, Abdulrazak Zaki, has confirmed that the child he was accused of abducting is in his custody.
While speaking to journalists in Bauchi on Saturday, Zaki admitted that his son and policemen attached to him took the child from her school two weeks ago.
His ex-wife, Ikilima Soro, had earlier petitioned the Inspector General of Police, claiming her child was taken on January 20, 2025, and alleged that masked policemen intercepted the school bus, took the child by force, and drove off in a car with covered license plates.
In response, Zaki stated that Governor Bala Mohammed and the Commissioner of Police Bauchi State, Auwal Mohammed, supported his actions, which he said were based on a Sharia court ruling granting him custody.
However, the Bauchi State High Court had ordered all parties to maintain the status quo until the Sharia Court of Appeal ruled on the matter. Despite this, Zaki admitted to enrolling the 8-year-old child in a boarding school in Gombe State, in defiance of the high court’s ruling, which had granted temporary custody to the mother.
Reacting to the situation, human rights lawyer and public interest attorney, Marshall Abubakar criticized the Commissioner’s action, and said that he took the law into his own hands. He also pointed out that the Terrorism Prevention Act 2010 criminalizes forcefully seizing a person or intercepting transportation.
Abubakar further stressed that the Bauchi State High Court has superior jurisdiction over the Sharia court, meaning its ruling should take precedence.
News
Abuja’s Nightlife Boss, Kicks Off 2025 with Exclusive All-White Party
By Gloria Ikibah
Abuja’s entertainment scene witnessed a dazzling start to 2025 as nightlife entrepreneur Adewumi Segun Gabriels, better known as Theapilifestyle, hosted an exclusive All-White Party to welcome the New Year in grand style.
The event brought together some of the biggest names in entertainment, with stars like Timini Egbuson, Efetommy, Nimi Briggs, Fantana, Ilebaye, and Ice Prince gracing the occasion.
As the CEO of Tokyo Nightlife and the brain behind Apitainment and Apitix, Adewumi has been instrumental in shaping Abuja’s premium nightlife culture.
In his speech, he appreciated his supporters, business partners, and associates for their loyalty throughout 2024, and also highlighted key milestones, including The Capital Picnic, Young Jonn Live in Abuja, AWG Fest, and Rema Live in Abuja—all of which have cemented Tokyo Nightlife’s reputation as the city’s go-to luxury entertainment hub.
Hosted by the ever-energetic Chuks D’ General, the night exuded pure elegance, with guests turning up in stunning white outfits. Attendees enjoyed electrifying performances, including a special set by Ice Prince and an engaging live band session that kept the energy levels high. To top it all off, a selection of gourmet dishes added a touch of culinary excellence to the night’s festivities.
Beyond just a party, Theapilifestyle’s All-White event set the pace for an exciting year ahead, reinforcing his commitment to delivering top-tier entertainment experiences and making 2025 a year to remember for Abuja’s nightlife lovers.
News
SAD! Another air disaster in US as medical plane crashes k!lling all on board
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Barely 72hours after American airlines collided with military helicopter in the US, a medical transport jet carrying a child patient, her mother, and four crew members cr+shed into a Philadelphia neighborhood shortly after takeoff Friday evening, igniting a massive fir£ that engulfed several homes.
The Learjet 55, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, exploded upon impact, sending a fireball into the sky. Officials have not confirmed any survivors or reported whether there were casualties on the ground. All six passengers were from Mexico, and the child was returning home after receiving treatment in Philadelphia.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro described the cr+sh as an “awful aviation disaster” and said fatalities were expected.
The plane took off at 6:06 p.m. from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, disappearing from radar minutes later at 1,600 feet (487 meters). A doorbell camera captured the moment it plummeted and exploded near Roosevelt Mall in the Rhawnhurst neighborhood.
Witnesses described a deafening roar followed by an orange fireball and thick black smoke.
Jet Rescue, based in Mexico, provides global air ambulance services and previously transported baseball legend David Ortiz after he was shot in the Dominican Republic. This marks the company’s second fatal cr+sh in 15 months; in 2023, five crew members d+ed when one of its planes cr+shed in Mexico.
The cr+sh came just days after another deadly U.S. aviation acc+dent, when an American Airlines jet and an Army helicopter collided over Washington, D.C., k+lling all on board.
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating, with officials set to arrive at the crash site Saturday.
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