A downpour lasting more than nine hours has submerged several residential areas in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, leaving homes and roads flooded.

The rainfall, which began overnight and continued into Monday evening, affected communities including Achussa, New GRA, behind Radio Benue, Nyiman, Idye, Naka Road, North Bank, Ankpa Quarters, Tilley Gyado-Terwase Agbadu, Wurukum and Wadata.

Residents said floodwaters entered homes and damaged household items and foodstuff, while commuters were stranded as several roads became impassable.

Checks by our correspondent showed that buildings and business premises around ongoing construction sites and riverbanks were particularly affected.

Residents Blame Blocked Drainage Channels

A resident, Frank Tion, blamed the flooding partly on blocked drainage channels linked to ongoing road construction.

Tion appealed to Governor Hyacinth Alia to direct contractors to immediately open blocked drainage channels and restore the free flow of water.

He alleged that the indiscriminate closure of roads and drainage channels by construction companies had worsened the situation.

Another resident, Theresa Andyson, said the flooding could have been more severe without some of the large drainage channels already constructed by the government.

However, Andyson noted that multiple construction projects across the city may have contributed to flooding in areas where water channels were blocked to facilitate construction work.

SEMA Receives Flood Report

Meanwhile, the Information Officer of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Terna Ager, confirmed that the agency had received reports of flooding in Achussa.

Ager said the agency had not yet visited the affected area to conduct an assessment.

The extent of damage and whether there were casualties had not been established as of the time of filing this report.

The post Makurdi Floods: 9-Hour Downpour Submerges Homes, Roads Across Benue Capital appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Federal Government has intensified efforts to address Nigeria’s housing deficit with the handover of 116 completed housing units under the National Housing Programme to the Benue State Government, describing the project as a major step towards expanding access to affordable housing and strengthening collaboration with state governments.

The housing estate, located in Makurdi, was officially handed over on Wednesday after being acquired by the Benue State Government to improve access to decent accommodation for residents, particularly civil servants.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma, said the National Housing Programme remains one of the Federal Government’s flagship initiatives aimed at reducing the country’s housing deficit, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.

Represented by the Director of Public Buildings and Housing Development, QS Pemi Samuel Temitope, the minister said the project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda of making affordable housing accessible to more Nigerians.

He described the handover as another milestone in the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the living standards of citizens through strategic partnerships with state governments.

“Housing remains one of the most fundamental needs of every society. Beyond providing shelter, it promotes human dignity, family stability, public health, security and stronger communities,” Darma said.

The minister commended Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, for acquiring the estate, describing the decision as a strategic investment that would improve housing availability and enhance the welfare of residents.

According to him, the National Housing Programme is being implemented across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory as part of efforts to bridge Nigeria’s housing gap through the delivery of affordable homes.

He noted that beyond providing housing, the programme is also creating employment opportunities, stimulating local economies and encouraging the use of locally sourced building materials.

“Today’s ceremony is more than the transfer of physical structures. It is a demonstration of purposeful leadership, effective intergovernmental collaboration and our shared commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians,” he added.

Receiving the housing estate on behalf of Governor Alia, the Acting Head of Service of Benue State, Dr. Eunice Ogbeniyi, expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development for the partnership.

She said the acquisition reflects the Benue State Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of civil servants and residents, assuring that the houses would be allocated and utilised for their intended purpose.

Ogbeniyi added that the state government remains committed to collaborating with the Federal Government on initiatives capable of improving the quality of life of the people.

The minister also praised the Benue State Government for its investments in infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare and education, noting that the acquisition of the housing estate complements the administration’s broader development agenda.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to working closely with state governments, private investors and other stakeholders to accelerate housing delivery across the country.

According to him, sustained collaboration remains essential to achieving sustainable urban development, increasing homeownership and reducing Nigeria’s housing deficit.

Darma expressed confidence that the completed estate would stand as a lasting symbol of productive partnership between the Federal Government and Benue State while contributing significantly to the state’s socio-economic development.

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Thirty-nine skilled artisans from Benue State have left Nigeria for Belarus under the National Directorate of Employment’s (NDE) International Job Placement Programme  a federal initiative promoting safe and structured labour migration.

The workers will take up roles in Belarus’s construction sector as part of efforts to create decent jobs and curb irregular migration.

At a pre-departure ceremony in Abuja, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, said the programme shows that Nigerian talent is globally competitive. She praised the partnership between the Ministry, Benue State Government, NDE, and Enhanced Entrepreneurs Belarus Nig. Co. Ltd., calling it a model for collaborative development.

Onyejeocha urged the beneficiaries to honour their contracts and represent Nigeria with dignity, noting that the scheme offers a safer alternative to irregular migration routes.

NDE’s Director of Special Public Works, Afraimu Agara, said the partnership, which began in 2019, has opened global job opportunities for Nigerian artisans. He added that the initiative will also promote skills and technology transfer as participants gain exposure to international standards.

Agara expressed confidence that the artisans would serve as worthy ambassadors of Benue State and Nigeria in Belarus.

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The displaced persons, currently sheltering at a temporary camp within the International Market in Makurdi, say they will not return until they receive firm assurances of safety. The community was attacked on June 13, 2025, by suspected armed herders, leaving around 200 people dead and forcing over 3,000 residents to flee.

Tensions have escalated in the camp as traditional rulers and community leaders push for the return of residents amid concerns that the site has been infiltrated by individuals not originally affected by the attacks. These new arrivals are believed to be benefitting from humanitarian aid intended for the actual victims.

Some residents staged a protest at the camp over the weekend, demanding that authorities prioritize their safety before any relocation plans. They insist that returning to Yelewata without credible security measures would put their lives at further risk.

Officials from the State Emergency Management Agency confirmed the community’s resistance and acknowledged the ongoing concerns about camp infiltration and resource strain. The state government is expected to review the security situation before making a final decision on relocation.

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The Nigerian Meteorological Agency had earlier predicted intensified seasonal rainfall, raising concerns about flooding, particularly in riverine communities. Though the Federal Ministry of Water Resources has denied the release of water from the dam, affected states say they are not taking any chances.

In Benue State, the Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has intensified flood sensitisation campaigns across the state. According to SEMA’s Information Officer, Tema Ager, the state is acting on high alert despite confirmation from the Minister of Water Resources, Prof. Joseph Utsev, that there has been no release from Lagdo Dam.

“We have no official report of water release from Cameroon, but we are not waiting to be taken by surprise,” Ager said, adding that awareness jingles have already been rolled out across local radio stations to alert residents.

In Edo State, the Executive Director of the State Flood, Erosion and Watershed Management Agency, Ahmed Momoh, said the government has taken preemptive steps to inspect erosion-prone areas in the Edo North axis. He confirmed that while the state has not received any formal notification of water discharge, preparations are underway to manage any spillover effects.

“We remain on standby. Our strategic inspection of gully erosion sites is part of our proactive approach to limit environmental degradation,” Momoh said.

Similarly, in Bayelsa State—which bore the brunt of devastating floods in 2012 and 2022—the Directorate of Flood and Erosion Control confirmed it is on standby. The head of the agency, Walson Omusu, said while there has been no official alert, the state is prepared. He noted that water channels in Yenagoa and other vulnerable areas have already been cleared to reduce the impact of any flooding.

“We are always ready. Even without official notice, our systems are in place,” Omusu stated.

Meanwhile, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has begun distributing relief materials to flood-affected communities in Bayelsa. During a visit to Otuasega and Oruma, NDDC’s Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, said the gesture aligns with the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and demonstrates the Commission’s commitment to the region’s well-being.

Represented by Mrs. Chioma Nwakwe, the Deputy Director of Education, Health, and Social Services, Ogbuku noted that the support included school furniture, educational tablets, and household relief items. He said the initiative was carried out in partnership with the Ednest Egerue Foundation.

Foundation founder Susan Ibiama commended the NDDC’s efforts, describing the collaboration as a timely intervention for communities grappling with economic loss due to floods.

Community representatives, including Mr. Innocent Abbey of Otuasega and Mr. Akaribo Lamanya of Ngbiama-Oruma, expressed gratitude, pledging to ensure fair distribution of the materials.

As flood season deepens and with rainfall intensifying, state governments and agencies are urging residents in high-risk areas to remain vigilant and adhere to safety advisories.

The post Benue, Edo, Bayelsa on Alert as Lagdo Dam Flood Risk Looms appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

This resolution came during Wednesday’s plenary after a motion of urgent national importance was moved by Hon. Dickson Tarkighir, who represents the Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency. Tarkighir described the attack as part of a “devastating and recurrent pattern of violent assaults” that have plagued communities in the region.

“Over 200 indigenes of Yelwata were brutally murdered. Thousands have been displaced, homes destroyed, and livelihoods ruined,” he said, expressing frustration over the slow government response and warning that further inaction could lead to even more casualties.

In response, the House mandated its Committees on Interior and National Security to conduct an immediate fact-finding mission to Yelwata and other affected communities in Guma LGA to assess the destruction and develop a strategic response plan.

The lawmakers also called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and other relevant agencies to urgently provide relief materials, medical support, and temporary shelter to displaced residents.

Additionally, the Committee on Human Rights was tasked with investigating the circumstances surrounding the Yelwata killings to ensure justice is served and to address the underlying causes of persistent insecurity in the area.

The post Reps Demand Military Base in Benue After Yelwata Massacre Claims Over 200 Lives appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Speaking during a media briefing on Tuesday, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, described the latest attack in Benue—where over 100 people reportedly lost their lives—as a grim reminder of the country’s worsening security challenges.

“The Senate and Nigerians are tired of mourning victims of senseless violence. We must move beyond condolences and take decisive steps to end this bloodshed,” Adaramodu said.

He emphasized that community-based security must be part of the solution, stressing the importance of local involvement in addressing insecurity. According to him, the National Assembly has already appropriated substantial resources to bolster the nation’s military and security agencies.

“We are not only saddened—we are disturbed. Security is local, and the involvement of traditional rulers, communities, and civil society is essential. The killings must stop,” he added.

In response to the Benue tragedy, the Senate announced plans to send a delegation to the state for a solidarity visit. More critically, Adaramodu revealed that the Senate is organizing a national security summit aimed at fostering collaboration among stakeholders including civil society groups, media, women, youth, and security agencies.

“This is not just a military issue. It’s a national concern that demands inclusive dialogue and immediate solutions,” he noted.

Beyond security concerns, Adaramodu highlighted the legislative achievements of the 10th Senate over the past two years. According to him, 844 bills were introduced, 96 passed, and 55 have been signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. These include 26 executive bills, 205 establishment bills, and 548 amendment bills.

He said the performance underscores the Senate’s commitment to delivering governance through legislative action.

Despite the legislative progress, the Senate insists that peace and security must be restored for any development to be meaningful. “Enough is enough. We can’t continue moving from one mass burial to another,” Adaramodu said.

The post Senate Decries Killings in Benue, Calls for Urgent Security Action appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The incident, which occurred late at night, sent shockwaves through the region, triggering a mass exodus of villagers—many of whom sought refuge in nearby bushes and farmlands.

Eyewitnesses described the attack as sudden and overwhelming. Mr. Mathias Tolum, a local farmer from the border area, said he and his family fled their home amid the deafening sound of gunfire.

“The gunshots were terrifying—it felt like a war zone. We couldn’t wait to find out what was happening; we just ran,” he recounted.

According to Tolum, many families in his village and nearby communities have since abandoned their homes, fearing a possible spread of the violence. “Our children, our women—everyone is on edge. We feel exposed, and many of us are beginning to question whether we are truly protected,” he said.

Residents are urging the authorities to strengthen security in the region and prevent further attacks, particularly in rural areas where vulnerable populations, including displaced persons, remain at risk.

Local officials have yet to confirm the total number of casualties, but humanitarian organizations working in the area are calling for immediate intervention to assist displaced families and to prevent further instability.

While investigations are ongoing, state security agencies have been deployed to the area to restore calm and reassure residents. Authorities have appealed for calm and cooperation from all communities, urging against the spread of unverified claims or inflammatory narratives that could escalate tensions.

The post Tension Mounts in Border Communities Following Deadly Violence in Benue appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

According to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, the headline inflation rate cooled to 23.71% year-on-year—a marginal dip from 24.23% in March 2025 and a significant fall from the 33.69% recorded in April 2024. On a month-on-month basis, consumer prices rose by 1.86%, a sharp deceleration from the previous month’s 3.90%, indicating a slight relief in the pace of price increases.

However, the national average conceals acute disparities across the country. Several states reported inflation rates far exceeding the average, with Enugu State topping the list at a staggering 36.0% year-on-year. Others crossing the 30% threshold included Kebbi, Niger, Benue, Ekiti, Nasarawa, Zamfara, Delta, Gombe, Sokoto, and Abuja.

The uneven distribution of inflation suggests localized pressures, especially in urban centres. Urban inflation held at 24.29%, reflecting persistent cost-of-living challenges for city dwellers, while rural inflation came in slightly lower at 22.83%.

Among the states with the most alarming figures:

Enugu experienced a 12.3% rise in its general price level within a month, accompanied by a 24.4% food inflation rate.

Kebbi reported all-items inflation of 35.1%, with food prices soaring by 33.8% year-on-year.

Niger State witnessed a notable 14.7% month-on-month increase, the highest jump nationally, pushing its overall inflation to 34.8%.

Benue, grappling with insecurity and supply chain issues, saw food prices balloon by 51.8% year-on-year, one of the most extreme spikes in the country.

Ekiti and Nasarawa also saw monthly price increases surpassing 10%, contributing to respective annual inflation rates of 34.0% and 33.3%.

Even Abuja, the seat of government, reported 32.9% inflation—an indicator of how widespread the economic challenges have become. While food inflation in the capital showed a slight monthly decline of 0.7%, the overall price burden remains heavy.

Some states, such as Delta and Gombe, experienced high inflation driven more by non-food sectors. Rising costs in housing, utilities, and transportation have become major contributors in these regions.

Nationally, food inflation eased to 21.26% in April 2025—significantly down from 40.53% a year earlier. This improvement is partly attributed to adjustments in the statistical base year and the reduced prices of staples like rice, maize flour, and beans. However, food price increases still weigh heavily on households in many states.

The average 12-month food inflation now stands at 31.43%, a slight drop from the 32.74% recorded previously. Meanwhile, core inflation—which excludes volatile categories like food and energy—also moderated, falling to 23.39% year-on-year and 1.34% month-on-month.

Despite these positive trends at the national level, inflationary pressure remains uneven, especially in areas affected by insecurity, poor infrastructure, or disrupted supply chains. Experts warn that unless structural issues are addressed, vulnerable populations in high-inflation states will continue to face rising poverty and reduced purchasing power.

The report underscores a critical point: while national indicators may point to easing inflation, for many Nigerians, the cost of living crisis remains very real—and deeply regional.

The post Inflation Gap Widens: National Rate Falls While Abuja, 10 States See Sharp Price Hikes appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Ormin, who spoke to reporters on Monday, said the curfew was a necessary response to escalating attacks in the council area, particularly by suspected armed herders. He described the measure as a temporary step aimed at safeguarding lives and reducing violent incidents.

“This decision follows recent security breaches, including the killing of two people along the Makurdi–Naka Road this morning. Their motorcycle was also set ablaze,” he stated.

The local government chairman revealed that Gwer West has suffered persistent violence, with almost daily incidents of killings across its 15 council wards. Many residents have fled their homes, and some abandoned communities are now reportedly occupied by armed groups.

“We have issued this warning so that commuters and residents are aware of the risks. Movement is now restricted after 6:30 p.m. for everyone’s safety,” Ormin added.

Located at a strategic junction, Gwer West borders several local councils including Makurdi, Gwer East, Otukpo, and Agatu, and connects Benue to Kogi and Enugu States via major federal highways. This makes it both a vital route and a vulnerable target.

Ormin emphasized that the curfew is a short-term measure and will be reviewed based on developments in the security situation. He called for continued vigilance and cooperation from the public as authorities work to restore peace to the area.

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