Residents of several neighborhoods in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Edo State, are facing significant losses due to recent flooding.

Reports indicate that 85 houses have been submerged and properties worth millions of naira destroyed following heavy rainfall over two days.

The flood has severely impacted areas including Uffa, Ugbogbo, Afekhai, Orere, Domingo Road, Lawani Road, Momodu Ajayi Road, and Ibillo-Auchi Road.

Priscilla Osiobafoh, Executive Director of BraveHeart Initiative, highlighted that out of the affected houses, 50 have been extensively damaged.

She attributed the flooding to various factors, including water from the Orere rock, collapsed bridges, and the improper disposal of refuse in drainages.

Osiobafoh emphasized the urgent need for improved drainage systems to manage water flow effectively.

Victims like Ms. Feyintola Eshamah and Ms. Stella Agbarajo expressed devastation over losing their homes and belongings to the floodwaters.

They called on government authorities at all levels to provide assistance to affected residents.

The council chairman, Tajudeen Alade, acknowledged the situation and stated that the local government had reported the incident to higher authorities for support.

He also highlighted challenges such as poor sanitation and illegal construction contributing to the severity of the flooding.

The Nigeria Police has dismissed Corporal Buba Adamu after he refused to relocate from Cross River Command to Kaduna, where he was transferred nine years ago.

During this time, Adamu allegedly promoted himself to superintendent and engaged in illegal activities in Cross River Command without resorting to any specific police command since 2015.

Despite not fulfilling his transfer obligations, he continued to receive his salary.

His dismissal follows revelations from concerned members of the Nasarawa community in Calabar, who reported his activities.

Police spokesperson SP Irene Ugbo confirmed these details at a press briefing, stating that all police property in Adamu’s possession has been recovered, and legal proceedings are underway.

The House of Representatives urged the Federal Government to revisit the suspended National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP), which was halted due to various controversies. Launched in 2004 and expanded in 2016, the NHGSFP aimed to provide nutritious meals to public primary school pupils, improve health, boost agricultural production, and support smallholder farmers.

On January 12, 2024, President Bola Tinubu suspended all National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) initiatives, including the NHGSFP, for six weeks. This suspension has raised concerns about reduced school enrollment, compromised children’s health and cognitive development, and disrupted farmers’ income.

The House, following a motion by Mr. Muktar Zakari of the Tarauni Federal Constituency, mandated its Committees on Special Duties and Finance to engage relevant ministers in finding solutions for the program’s future success. Zakari emphasized the NHGSFP’s role in encouraging school enrollment, addressing childhood hunger, and improving school attendance. He warned that suspension of the program could lead to more out-of-school children, increased crime, insecurity, and unemployment, advocating for alternative solutions or better implementation to maintain its benefits for Nigerian children.