Nigeria News (Standard)
Zamfara Attack Displaces 484 as North-West IDP Figures Approach 800,000 — IOM
International Organisation for Migration says recent violence in Zamfara State adds to growing humanitarian crisis in the region
International Organisation for Migration says recent violence in Zamfara State adds to growing humanitarian crisis in the region
Fresh violence in Zamfara State has displaced at least 484 people, pushing the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria’s North-West zone close to 800,000, according to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). The agency revealed this in its latest update released on Saturday, following reports of renewed attacks by armed men targeting local communities.
The IOM said the recent attack forced hundreds of residents to flee their homes, seeking shelter in makeshift camps and nearby towns within Zamfara. The incident comes amid a surge in insecurity across the North-West, with local authorities struggling to respond effectively to repeated raids and abductions by gunmen.
Humanitarian agencies have raised alarm over the growing scale of displacement in Zamfara and neighbouring states. The North-West now accounts for a significant portion of Nigeria’s total IDP population, reflecting the impact of persistent insecurity on rural communities. Many affected persons are women and children facing limited access to food, healthcare and education.
The IOM urged government at all levels to increase support for vulnerable populations. “We are deeply concerned about the rising number of people forced from their homes due to violence,” an IOM official said. The agency called for coordinated efforts among federal and state authorities as well as international partners to provide urgent relief materials and strengthen security interventions in affected LGAs.
With attacks continuing across parts of Zamfara, Kaduna and Katsina states, observers warn that without immediate action, displacement figures could rise further. Humanitarian organisations say more funding is needed to scale up food aid, shelter provision and psychosocial support for IDPs as the rainy season approaches.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Sanwo-Olu Orders Demolition of Shanties on Lagos-Badagry Expressway, Issues Eviction Deadline
Lagos State government says removal will tackle illegal structures and improve road safety; residents given ultimatum to vacate
Lagos State government says removal will tackle illegal structures and improve road safety; residents given ultimatum to vacate
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed the immediate demolition of shanties and makeshift structures along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, issuing an ultimatum for occupants to vacate the area. The order, delivered on Saturday in Lagos, targets encroachments that officials say threaten public safety and hinder infrastructure development.
According to state authorities, the exercise is part of ongoing efforts to restore orderliness and ensure the free flow of traffic on one of Lagos’ major highways. The affected stretch covers several kilometres where informal settlements have sprung up over recent months, raising concerns over environmental sanitation and security.
The Lagos-Badagry Expressway serves as a critical link between Nigeria’s commercial capital and neighbouring West African countries. In recent years, government has embarked on phased reconstruction of the corridor but persistent illegal occupation has slowed progress and complicated maintenance efforts. Officials argue that removing the shanties is necessary to safeguard investments in road infrastructure and protect commuters.
Sanwo-Olu’s administration said the decision followed repeated warnings to illegal occupants to relocate voluntarily. “We cannot allow lawlessness or structures that put lives at risk along this vital route,” a senior official in the Ministry of Environment said while reiterating government’s commitment to urban renewal. The official warned that defaulters who fail to comply within the specified deadline would face forcible eviction.
There was no immediate response from resident groups or opposition parties as at press time. However, some affected families have expressed fears over possible loss of shelter and livelihoods. The state government maintained that it would provide support for eligible persons through existing social intervention programmes after the clearance exercise.
Nigeria News (Standard)
FHA Blames Developer for Port Harcourt Building Collapse After Extra Floor Added to Approved Plan
Federal Housing Authority officials say developer ignored three-floor limit as Rivers government launches investigation into collapse
Federal Housing Authority officials say developer ignored three-floor limit as Rivers government launches investigation into collapse
The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) has attributed the recent collapse of a four-storey building under construction along Odili Road in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to the developer’s violation of the approved building plan. FHA officials visited the site on Thursday, led by Executive Director of Project Implementation, Oluremi Omowaiye, alongside the Rivers State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Edward Hart.
According to Omowaiye, the developer was initially granted approval to construct a three-storey structure but went ahead to add an extra floor without authorisation. He stated that this disregard for regulations likely contributed to the incident. A team of engineers from FHA headquarters in Abuja joined local authorities at the scene immediately after the collapse was reported to support rescue operations.
“The approval issued on February 20, 2024 was strictly for three suspended floors based on submittals by the developer,” Omowaiye said at the site inspection. “Adding another floor against what was approved is unacceptable and endangers lives.” The executive director commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State for his swift intervention and support in managing the aftermath.
FHA clarified that the building approval was granted before its current management took office. The agency stressed that it would not tolerate any further contravention of building regulations and called on all developers in Nigeria to adhere strictly to approved plans to avoid disasters.
Governor Fubara has since ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to the collapse and directed that the site remain sealed pending outcome of inquiries. Stakeholders have urged greater enforcement of planning laws as authorities continue search-and-rescue efforts at the location.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Edo Government Sets Up Special Court for Cultism, Kidnapping Cases Amid Security Concerns
Move aims to speed up prosecution of suspects as state grapples with rise in cult-related violence and abductions
Move aims to speed up prosecution of suspects as state grapples with rise in cult-related violence and abductions
The Edo State Government has established a special court dedicated to handling cases of cultism and kidnapping, as part of renewed efforts to tackle insecurity in the state. The initiative, announced on Saturday, comes in response to growing concerns over the increasing rate of violent crimes in various communities across Edo.
The decision to set up the court was reached after a series of security meetings involving key stakeholders in Benin City. According to officials, the special court will prioritise the prosecution of suspects arrested for cult activities and kidnapping, with a view to ensuring speedy dispensation of justice and deterring further crimes.
Edo State has witnessed a surge in cult-related clashes and abductions over recent months, leading to anxiety among residents and calls for more decisive government intervention. Community leaders and civil society groups have repeatedly urged authorities to take stronger action against those responsible for these offences.
While announcing the measure, government representatives emphasised that the new court will work closely with security agencies and the state’s Ministry of Justice. “We are committed to restoring peace and order,” an official said. However, some legal practitioners have raised questions about the capacity of the existing judicial system to handle an influx of cases, stressing the need for adequate resources and fair trials.
With this development, Edo joins other states that have introduced specialised courts to address specific security challenges. The government has called on residents to support law enforcement efforts by providing credible information on criminal activities. Further details on the operational framework of the new court are expected in coming weeks.
Sanwo-Olu Orders Demolition of Shanties on Lagos-Badagry Expressway, Issues Eviction Deadline
FHA Blames Developer for Port Harcourt Building Collapse After Extra Floor Added to Approved Plan
Edo Government Sets Up Special Court for Cultism, Kidnapping Cases Amid Security Concerns
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