The Federal Government has issued a warning of potential flooding in several locations across 10 states, following predictions of heavy rainfall between April 8 and April 12, 2026.

The alert, issued by the National Flood Early Warning Centre of the Ministry of Environment, identified Ebonyi, Anambra, Ogun, Taraba, Cross River, Benue, Imo, Delta, Rivers, and Abia states as likely to experience significant rainfall that may trigger flooding. Communities listed include Onitsha, Atani, Afikpo, Ayetoro, Ikom, Owerri, Port Harcourt, and Umuahia.

The ministry advised residents and local authorities to take precautionary measures to reduce risks to lives and property. Usman Bokani, Director of Erosion, Flood, and Coastal Zone Management, emphasized the importance of early preparedness to mitigate flood impacts.

The ministry’s forecast aligns with earlier warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, which cautioned farmers against early planting after unpredictable rains in February and March 2026. Lagos State had also issued alerts for heavy rainfall and flash flooding as the rainy season approached.

Residents are urged to remain vigilant and follow official updates to ensure safety.

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Nigeria’s cost of living eased in September 2025 as headline inflation fell to 18.02%, with several states recording lower rates, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The ranking is based on headline inflation, showing where prices of essential goods and services rose the least.

10. Jigawa – 16.3%

Inflation dropped from 23.1% to 16.3%, driven by government agricultural programmes like the Rice Millionaire Project and Special Agro-Processing Zones.

9. Akwa Ibom – 16.3%

Down from 20.7% in August, with food inflation at 9%. A new ₦695 billion budget and food security committee helped stabilise prices.

8. Imo – 15.8%

Improved security and stable housing costs reduced inflation from 18.3% to 15.8%, with food inflation at 12.4%.

7. Ebonyi – 14.8%

Inflation eased from 21.2% to 14.8%. Despite strong farm output, transport and distribution costs remain high.

6. Bayelsa – 14.8%

Inflation dropped from 23.8% but food inflation rose to 21.9% due to high import dependence.

5. Sokoto – 14%

Inflation fell sharply from 22.5%. Salary support to civil servants helped ease short-term pressures.

4. Enugu – 12.4%

Transport and rent relief cut inflation from 14.2%. Fertilizer distribution supported food supply.

3. Bauchi – 12.4%

Inflation declined from 15.3%, food inflation to 2.8%, supported by better roads, fertilizer subsidies, and grain reserves.

2. Niger – 11.8%

Inflation halved from 25.5%. Flood relief, road repairs, and food aid helped stabilise prices.

1. Anambra – 9.3%

Now Nigeria’s most affordable state, down from 14.2%. Market digitalisation and rural water projects reduced costs.

Overall, agricultural expansion, infrastructure upgrades, and relief programmes are helping many states achieve lower living costs despite national inflation pressures.

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Panic erupted in Okpuno, Awka, on Thursday when a three-storey building with four suspended floors under construction collapsed near the Anambra State House of Assembly.

Eyewitnesses said the incident happened around 11:40 a.m. while artisans were working on the roof. “The building made some noise as it was collapsing while some construction workers were at the site,” one witness said, adding that rescue efforts were delayed due to lack of equipment.

Chairman of COREN-ERM Anambra State, Sir Victor Meju, said preliminary investigation showed “a vertically complete collapse to the rubble,” likely caused by poor concrete mixture and foundation issues.

The Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) confirmed the incident but insisted no lives were lost. “Our officers on the ground have so far found no evidence to suggest that anyone was trapped,” said ACTDA spokesperson, Ukpa Ewa, who urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information.

The area has been sealed off as officials continue investigations and monitor compliance with building standards.

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In Awka, the Anambra State capital, the story is typical. A 3-bedroom apartment that once cost between ₦150,000 to ₦250,000 annually now goes for as high as ₦700,000. For many like civil servant Augustine Okeke, the escalation was too steep to manage. “I had to move my family from the city to the outskirts in Nibo,” he said, noting the increased cost of commuting and declining quality of life. “I even had to withdraw my children from private school. The rent increment broke us.”

The rent pressure, many residents say, has been compounded by the influx of wealthy individuals, including suspected internet fraudsters, popularly known as “Yahoo Boys,” who pay any amount demanded without negotiation. “They are driving the market up,” said a housing agent in Umuahia who identified herself as Blessing. “They pay two years upfront, and landlords now want similar deals from everyone.”

In cities like Owerri, the Imo State capital, landlords cite the rising cost of building materials and maintenance as justification for rent hikes—even for properties constructed decades ago. “There is no amount of rent that can cover what it takes to build or renovate now,” said Osita Maduka, a landlord in Awka, whose flats remain unoccupied despite reduced rent offers.

Meanwhile, the regional governments are beginning to respond. In Enugu State, the House of Assembly has taken steps to regulate housing rents through the proposed Landlord and Tenant (Amendment) Bill, 2025. Sponsored by Hon. Okey Mbah, the bill aims to limit agency fees, eliminate caution fees, and regulate arbitrary annual increases. “We want to stabilize the rent system and protect tenants from exploitation,” said Speaker Uche Ugwu, noting the bill had passed public hearing and was now under committee review.

In Ebonyi State, where rents in Abakaliki have soared to as much as ₦1.3 million annually, the House of Assembly has also introduced an executive bill seeking to regulate landlord-tenant relations and reduce housing-related financial pressures. Similarly, Anambra and Abia residents continue to call on their state governments to follow suit with affordable housing programs and improved urban planning.

Housing experts and civil society actors have described the situation as a looming crisis. “We are witnessing an exodus of workers from city centers to rural fringes. It’s unsustainable,” said Dr. Tony Ekwe, a former university dean in Imo. “Unless the state steps in with deliberate housing policies, we will see a collapse in the urban economy.”

Tenants also fault estate agents for fueling the hikes. Theophilus Nwaoga, a civil servant in Owerri, accused some agents of manipulating rents to increase their commission. “I spent over ₦700,000 just to secure a moderate two-bedroom apartment after adding agency and legal fees. My salary cannot sustain this yearly.”

Some landlords, however, blame macroeconomic conditions. Chimaobi Njoku, a retired civil servant and property owner in Aba, said: “We’re also trying to survive. The cost of living has gone up. If rent doesn’t go up, we can’t meet our own needs.”

With the pressure mounting, attention is now turning to governments and lawmakers across the region to enforce regulations and expand access to affordable housing, particularly for vulnerable populations. Analysts say failure to act could deepen urban poverty, widen inequality, and strain already stretched infrastructure in suburban areas.

“The housing issue is not just about buildings; it’s about dignity, economic survival, and stability for families,” said Chinonso Eze, a fashion designer in Umuahia. “People are choking, and something must give.”

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The flooding, which occurred along Zik Avenue and Iweka Road near the well-known Ochanja Market, left traders and residents reeling from losses. Eyewitnesses said blocked drainage systems played a major role in the overflow, which turned the streets into torrents, sweeping into homes and businesses.

When visited by reporters on Wednesday, the aftermath was visible: soaked merchandise, damaged property, and residents using buckets to bail water out of their shops and homes. Many described the scene as one of chaos and helplessness.

Videos making the rounds on social media captured desperate moments as traders tried to salvage what they could. In one clip, a commercial tricycle operator struggled to stop his vehicle from being dragged away by the current, while others took refuge wherever they could find higher ground.

A resident, Uchenna, who spoke near the scene, expressed concern about the area’s vulnerability to flooding, especially its proximity to the River Niger. “Any misstep, and you’re swept into the river,” he said. “People know to stay indoors when it rains like this, but even that wasn’t enough this time. This flood was different—it caught everyone off guard.”

He warned that the worst might still be ahead, referencing the Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s (NiMET) recent forecast, which listed Anambra among the states likely to be affected by heavy flooding in the coming months.

Another resident, Justine Ugoh, who owns a property in the area, said the intensity of the downpour made it impossible to distinguish between the road and the drainage. “Water rushed into homes and shops. The whole area was paralyzed. Though there were no deaths reported this time, we’ve had tragic outcomes during past floods,” he said.

Ugoh stressed that despite community efforts to maintain clean drainage channels, the problem has persisted. He noted that the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) had been alerted, but there had yet to be any visible response.

Residents are now calling on the Anambra State Government to act swiftly—not just to assist those affected, but to implement long-term solutions that can prevent a repeat of such devastation.

“The government must invest in better drainage infrastructure and ensure that waterways are cleared regularly,” Ugoh urged. “This is not just about damaged goods; lives are at risk.”

As the rains continue, locals fear more destruction may be imminent unless proactive steps are taken to reinforce the state’s flood preparedness.

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The incident reportedly occurred in Nnewichi, Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Saturday when yet-to-be-identified assailants killed the siblings — a five-year-old boy and two girls, aged seven and nine — in their apartment.

It was gathered that the attackers stormed the apartment while the children were eating, killed them, and placed their bodies in a refrigerator in one of the rooms.

Their remains were later discovered by their mother and neighbours after an extensive search proved futile.

Our correspondent, who visited the scene on Wednesday, observed that the building had been fully sealed off with police tape, and the occupants temporarily relocated pending the conclusion of an ongoing investigation.

The spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the sealing of the building in a telephone interview on Wednesday, explaining that it was necessary to prevent any interference with the investigation.

“Yes, the vicinity has been temporarily sealed because it is a crime scene. The Commissioner of Police ordered the sealing pending the conclusion of the ongoing investigation.

“No arrests have been made yet, but inquiries and findings on the likely cause of the incident are ongoing. Information that could aid the investigation is still being gathered from residents.

“The police have launched an investigation, and we assure the grieving family that we are committed to uncovering the truth behind this tragedy. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses,” Ikenga added.

Speaking to our correspondent on Wednesday, the father of the murdered children, Udochukwu Ejezie, said the incident had left his family “terribly devastated,” noting that they now only have their eldest son, who is currently in seminary school in Ukpor.

Ejezie explained that the family is temporarily staying at a relative’s home since their residence remains sealed off.

He said, “This tragedy has left my family in deep despair. We have done nothing to warrant such wickedness. They did not just kill my children; they killed brilliant minds.

“We urge the authorities to ensure the truth is uncovered and the culprits are brought to justice. We have always had a good relationship with our neighbours and have no reason to suspect anyone.”

Meanwhile, the Anambra State Government has vowed to track down those responsible for the heinous crime to prevent a recurrence.

The State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, made this known during her visit to the crime scene on Wednesday, stating that Governor Chukwuma Soludo is aware of the incident and has pledged justice for the deceased.

Speaking at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital in Nnewi, where the children’s bodies were deposited, Obinabo assured that the state government would not relent until the perpetrators were arrested and prosecuted.

She said, “The perpetrators will be dealt with according to the full extent of the law. The state government is committed to bringing hope and support to the bereaved parents.

“The Chukwuma Soludo-led administration in Anambra State will not rest until those responsible are brought to justice.”

Some neighbours who spoke to journalists described the incident as horrifying and prayed for divine comfort for the bereaved family.

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The children were taken by a woman who had moved into the neighborhood in early December 2024. She won the children’s trust by promising them toys, but instead, she disappeared with them. Tragically, one of the children was sold for a staggering N2 million in Anambra before they were found and brought home.

Thanks to the hard work of police in both states, the children were rescued after an intelligence-led operation. Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, CP Auwal Mohammed, expressed relief at the successful operation, which reunited the children with their families.

During the emotional handover of the children to their parents, Governor Bala Mohammed shared his growing concern over the rising incidents of child abductions and trafficking in the state. He called for stronger community efforts to protect children and reminded parents to always be vigilant about their children’s safety.

Governor Mohammed also extended his gratitude to Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, for his support in making the rescue possible. The case has once again highlighted the importance of collective action and responsibility in safeguarding the lives of vulnerable children.

The post Police Rescue 3 Bauchi Kids Sold For N2 Million in Anambra appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The affected areas include Anambra West, Anambra East, Ogbaru, Awka North, and Ayamelum.

Social media is awash with videos and images showing residents, including children, navigating through floodwaters, with many houses, markets, churches, schools, and other facilities submerged. In one video, Nnoru Anaekwe, a resident from the hard-hit community of Mmiata-Anam in Anambra West LGA, described how residents now rely on wooden canoes to travel as significant portions of their community remain underwater.

Another clip featured Mrs. Edith Ndive, Deputy Local Government Chairman of Anambra West, paddling in a canoe towards her home. Additional footage depicted submerged school buildings and children swimming and paddling canoes through the floodwaters.

This region is still recovering from a tragic incident in 2023, when over 40 individuals, primarily women and children fleeing to safer areas, lost their lives in a boat accident caused by rising waters that struck a bridge.

READ ALSO: Ekiti Governor Warns Developers Against Building on Waterways Amid Flooding Concerns

Responding to the crisis, State Commissioner for Environment Felix Odimegwu confirmed that the government is aware of the situation and has begun implementing necessary interventions. He noted that water levels have increased in recent weeks and the situation is under continuous monitoring.

“The Anambra State Government Flood Management Team, alongside personnel from NEMA, SEMA, the International Organisation for Migration, and the Red Cross Society, is actively collecting data at Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps,” he said.

Odimegwu reported that the state has activated 27 camps to accommodate those displaced by the flooding and has begun distributing relief materials, including over 2,400 cartons of food items, to the affected local government areas.

“Thanks to our preparations and early warning systems, many residents have relocated to higher ground or sought refuge with relatives,” he added. “We are also receiving additional supplies, including bags of beans and rice from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which will be distributed shortly.”

The commissioner emphasized that while the exact number of displaced individuals remains unclear, efforts are underway to gather accurate data and provide essential support.

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The incident, which occurred on Monday evening, sent shockwaves through the bustling commercial city.

The building, still under construction and intended to serve as a market upon completion, crumbled at around 6:41 pm, trapping workers and traders inside.

Despite rescue efforts, the toll rose to six confirmed fatalities, with over 20 others rescued and receiving medical treatment for various injuries.

While official figures put the casualty count at six, eyewitnesses and residents claimed that over 10 bodies had been recovered, with some still trapped under the rubble. The collapse, marked by a thunderous noise, sparked panic among those in and around the market.

READ ALSO: Building Collapse Prevention Guild Raises Alarm Over Surging Building Material Prices

Governor Chukwuma Soludo, visibly moved by the tragedy, visited the scene to assess the situation firsthand. Expressing profound sadness, he termed the incident “tragic” and vowed to address the root causes, including illegal construction and impunity.

Soludo announced that rescue efforts were ongoing to locate any remaining trapped individuals. He pledged government support for the hospital bills of the injured and assured that those responsible for the unauthorized construction would face legal consequences.

The collapsed building, erected without government approval, underscored the need for stringent oversight and safety measures in construction projects. The governor vowed to prioritize public safety and enforce regulations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

READ ALSO: Police Arrest Abuja’s Second Most Wanted Kidnapper, Samaila Wakili Fafa, in Nasarawa State

As investigations into the cause of the collapse continue, the community mourns the loss of lives and grapples with the aftermath of the devastating incident. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with substandard construction practices and the urgent need for stricter enforcement of building regulations.

The post Six Dead as Two-Storey Building Collapses at Odu-Igbo Market appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

During an interactive session held at the Onitsha South Local Government Area council secretariat, Dr. Ibezim outlined the government’s stance and unveiled plans to incentivize efforts towards city beautification. He announced a cash prize of N10 million for the first street in Onitsha to complete the repainting of their buildings between February 1 and March 10, 2024.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Ibezim expressed concerns over the lack of proper drainage systems and waste management practices in Onitsha. He stressed the importance of clearing blocked drains, disposing of refuse properly, planting trees, and repainting buildings to uplift the city’s aesthetic appeal.

Commissioner for Environment, Felix Odimegwu, echoed Dr. Ibezim’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for collective action in maintaining cleanliness and improving the city’s infrastructure. He highlighted initiatives aimed at encouraging community participation in repainting buildings and cleaning drainages.

READ ALSO: Building Collapse: Plateau Government To Demolish Structures That Fail Integrity Test

Local council chairman, Chief Emeka Joseph Orji, reiterated the council’s commitment to enforcing cleanliness regulations and removing illegal structures hindering the city’s development. He emphasized the need for strict enforcement of laws and regulations to ensure compliance among residents and landlords.

Chairman of the Urban Regeneration Council, Michael Okonkwo, emphasized the government’s vision to transform Onitsha into a model city with conducive environments for business and healthy living. He underscored the importance of replicating best practices observed in developed countries.

Responding to concerns raised by landlords, including extortion by suspected touts and double taxation, the government assured stakeholders of addressing these issues to facilitate cooperation in the city’s beautification efforts.

READ ALSO: Housing Special Adviser Advocates for Real Estate Regulation

In conclusion, the Anambra government’s proactive measures and collaborative approach with stakeholders reflect a concerted effort to revitalize Onitsha and position it as a model city in Nigeria.

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