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.

Two 13-year-old children have been swept away by flood in separate incidents in Abuja and Umuahia, Abia State, raising fresh concerns over the dangers posed by heavy rainfall and overflowing drainage channels.

In Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, 13-year-old Alhassan Jamil, a Junior Secondary School student of Ihyau El-Burhan Academy, Phase 3, was swept away by flood while on his way to school on Wednesday.

The incident occurred at about 7:30 a.m. near the Mobil filling station along the Old Kutunku-Market Road, shortly after an early morning rainfall.

According to the boy’s father, Jamil Maikasuwa, he was taking Alhassan to school on his motorcycle when they encountered a flooded double-cell culvert.

Maikasuwa said the floodwater had almost covered the culvert, prompting him to apply the brakes and attempt to turn back.

He said his son, frightened by the situation, jumped off the motorcycle and fell into the culvert.

“Immediately he jumped down from the bike, I quickly pushed the bike aside and tried to grab his hand to save him, but unfortunately, the flood swept him away,” he said.

Maikasuwa described Alhassan as a brilliant student who consistently came first in his class from nursery one to primary four.

He said the boy was the eldest of his four children and had initially been reluctant to travel to school with him because he was accustomed to using a commercial cyclist.

Search for missing student continues

Maikasuwa said fishermen and divers had been mobilised to search the river for his son.

As of the time of filing the report, Alhassan’s remains had not been recovered.

The father said some residents living close to the riverbank claimed to have sighted what they believed was the boy’s body floating in the water with his school bag strapped to his back.

He expressed hope that the remains would be recovered and returned to the family for burial.

An elder brother to Maikasuwa said the incident was the second drowning-related tragedy reported in the area within four days.

According to him, four people also drowned in a canoe accident while attempting to cross a river to a farm, although only one of the four bodies had been recovered.

Mrs Rabiat Kasim Ikwa, wife of the chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, was among the first people to visit the family to offer condolences.

Residents living near the scene also expressed shock, alleging that floodwater from a FADAMA farm suddenly surged with force and swept the boy away.

13-year-old girl missing after Umuahia flood

In a separate incident in Umuahia, Abia State, another 13-year-old, Adekunle Emanuella Ige, was swept away by flood in the Agbama area.

The incident occurred at about 7 p.m. on Monday during a prolonged rainfall that lasted for about five hours.

Emanuella was reportedly sent on an errand during the rain before she fell into a large gutter.

Residents alleged that rising floodwater had covered gutters around Agbama, Road Two and World Bank areas, making it difficult to distinguish the drainage channels from the walkways.

Residents subsequently organised a search for the girl, extending the operation to large gutters around Low Cost Housing Estate, World Bank Housing Estate and Umuafai community.

The search was suspended at about 10:30 p.m. on Monday and resumed the following morning but had not yielded any result as of the time of filing the report.

The girl’s mother, Mrs Adekunle Chinasa Ige, appealed to government agencies and residents to assist in locating her daughter.

Speaking on ABN TV, she said Emanuella had been living with her younger sister in Umuahia before the incident.

She said she was in Ohafia when she received information that her daughter had gone missing following the rainfall.

According to her, the police had commenced an investigation into the incident, while the family was also cooperating with the authorities.

The mother said Emanuella had been sent to a shop during the rain and was given an umbrella in case the weather worsened.

She said the girl failed to return home after several hours, prompting residents to begin a search.

The shopkeeper reportedly told the family that the rainfall and accompanying flood were severe enough to cover the drainage channel in front of the shop.

Mrs Ige expressed concern that her daughter may not have been able to identify the drainage channel as she left the shop.

Abuja’s recurring flood concerns

The Gwagwalada incident has renewed concerns over the recurring flood menace in parts of the Federal Capital Territory.

Heavy rainfall has repeatedly overwhelmed drainage channels, roads and waterways across parts of Abuja, creating risks for residents and motorists.

The FCT was placed on high flood alert in late July after rising water levels on the Gurara River exceeded the warning threshold, with the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency warning residents in vulnerable communities to relocate to safer areas where necessary.

The FCT Emergency Management Department also barricaded a slip road linking the Goodluck Jonathan Expressway with Ring Road II at Galadimawa ahead of the peak flooding period.

The route had previously been identified as a danger spot during heavy rainfall, with floodwaters reportedly sweeping away vehicles and causing fatalities.

Further flooding was reported across several parts of Abuja in August, including Wuse 2, Katampe, Mabushi, Lugbe, Nyanya, Gwarinpa, Asokoro, Maitama, Utako, Wuye and Gudu.

Other areas, including Asokoro, Maitama, Guzape, Lokogoma, Garki and Wuse, were also affected during subsequent flooding episodes.

The repeated incidents have raised concerns about drainage capacity, development control and construction around waterways.

The FCT Administration had said it was examining the roles of heavy rainfall and human activities, including developments allegedly carried out in violation of the Abuja Master Plan.

The administration subsequently identified inadequate drainage systems, undersized bridges and obstruction of natural waterways as some of the factors contributing to flash flooding in parts of Abuja.

The post Flood Disaster Claims Two Children in Abuja, Abia appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Federal Ministry of Environment has warned that 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) may experience flooding between June 22 and July 5, 2026, following forecasts of heavy rainfall across several parts of the country.

The warning was issued on Monday through the National Flood Early Warning Centre under the ministry’s Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department.

FG Identifies High-Risk and Critical Flood Zones

According to the advisory dated June 22, 2026, several communities across the country have been classified as either critical-risk or high-risk flood zones.

States listed under the critical-risk category include Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo and Rivers.

Lagos, Rivers, Anambra, FCT Among Most Vulnerable Areas

The ministry identified numerous flood-prone communities likely to be affected by heavy rainfall and rising water levels.

In Lagos State, vulnerable areas include Agege, Alimosho, Apapa, Badagry, Ikeja, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, Lekki and Surulere.

In the FCT, high-risk areas include Abuja Municipal, Gwagwalada, Kubwa, Nyanya and Wuse.

Other identified locations include Onitsha and Awka (Anambra), Yenagoa (Bayelsa), Makurdi (Benue), Calabar (Cross River), Warri and Sapele (Delta), Enugu and Nsukka (Enugu), Owerri (Imo), Lokoja (Kogi), Ilorin (Kwara), and Port Harcourt (Rivers).

FG Issues Safety Advisory to Residents

The ministry urged residents in high-risk communities to take urgent precautionary measures to reduce potential impact.

It advised communities in critical zones to maintain flood watch, identify evacuation routes, and avoid building or trading in flood-prone areas.

“Communities classified as Critical should maintain immediate flood watch, identify evacuation routes, protect vulnerable households,” the advisory stated.

For high-risk areas, the ministry called for intensified drainage clearance, monitoring of waterways, and improved community reporting of rising water levels.

Rising Concern Over Seasonal Flooding

The warning comes amid the peak of Nigeria’s rainy season, raising concerns over possible displacement of residents, destruction of property, and disruption of economic activities in vulnerable areas.

Authorities have urged state governments and emergency agencies to step up preparedness measures to prevent avoidable losses.

The post Flood Alert: FG Warns 26 States, FCT of Heavy Rainfall and Possible Flooding appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Residents of Agbado, Abule Ijoko, Itoki, Ope-Ilu and other neighbouring communities in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State have decried the worsening condition of roads in the area, describing the situation as a major source of hardship, insecurity and economic losses.

The residents, who spoke during a visit to the communities on Tuesday, said the roads had remained in deplorable condition for more than 15 years despite repeated appeals to successive administrations.

A visit to the area revealed that the approximately 13-kilometre stretch linking Agbado Oja to Abule Ijoko has largely collapsed, with several sections rendered impassable by deep potholes, erosion and overgrown vegetation.

One of the residents, Waheed Sanyaolu, said the poor state of the road has isolated the communities and negatively affected residents’ daily activities.

“We are suffering and feel completely cut off from civilisation. We have made several appeals to the government without any meaningful response. The only intervention we witnessed was during the administration of former Governor Ibikunle Amosun, but it did not bring lasting relief,” he said.

Motorists and commuters were seen struggling to navigate waterlogged sections of the road, while several vehicles and motorcycles broke down due to the deteriorating condition of the route.

Another resident noted that flooding during the rainy season has further worsened the situation.

“Travelling from Agbado Crossing to Abule Ijoko should take about 10 minutes, but the road has become almost unusable except by motorcycle. Even motorcyclists now resort to alternative inner routes through Gasline, Oluasho and Oyetedo before reconnecting to the main road,” he said.

Rising Insecurity

Residents also expressed concern over increasing insecurity, blaming the poor road network for frequent attacks by hoodlums, particularly at night.

According to Olatunji, a resident, commuters and commercial motorcyclists have become easy targets for criminals.

“Because of the bad roads, hoodlums regularly attack residents returning home from work. Passengers are robbed while motorcycles are often seized from riders. One victim was recently struck on the head with a hammer,” he alleged.

Residents Blame Train Station Construction

The residents attributed the rapid deterioration of the roads to the construction activities associated with the Lateef Jakande Train Station at Agbado Crossing.

They claimed that heavy-duty trucks transporting construction materials from the Sango-Ota axis caused extensive damage to the already fragile roads.

“The roads were bad before, but they were still manageable. Everything got worse when trucks began moving construction materials to the train station around 2017. After the project was completed, the roads were abandoned without repairs,” a community member said.

Transport Costs Soar

Commercial transport operators said the condition of the roads has significantly increased vehicle maintenance costs, forcing many to raise transport fares.

A motorcycle rider, Taoreed, lamented that he spends substantial amounts on repairs.

“Today alone, I spent N18,000 repairing my motorcycle. This has become a regular occurrence, and it is affecting our livelihood,” he said.

Flooding Threatens Residents

Residents also appealed for urgent intervention to clear blocked drainage channels around Bashy Bus Stop, warning that flooding poses serious risks to schoolchildren and other road users.

A female resident said heavy rainfall recently submerged parts of the area.

“The drainage under the footbridge is blocked and causing severe flooding. Students are forced to walk through floodwaters after school. The situation is dangerous and requires immediate attention,” she said.

Efforts to obtain a reaction from the Ogun State Commissioner for Works, Ade Akinsanya, were unsuccessful as calls and text messages sent to her were not responded to as of the time of filing this report.

The post Residents Lament 15 Years of Neglect as Agbado-Ijoko Road Deteriorates appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Commuters travelling along the Ilorin–Igbeti Federal Highway in Kwara State were stranded on Monday after heavy flooding overtook the already collapsed Moro Bridge, submerging vehicles and worsening disruption along the critical interstate route.

The incident reportedly followed an overnight downpour that caused the Moro River to overflow its banks, trapping several vehicles in floodwaters and leaving passengers stranded as they waited for rescue.

The affected bridge, located between Oko-Olowo/Mandala in Ilorin West and Asa Local Government Areas, had collapsed on April 30 after a heavy-duty articulated truck reportedly crossed the aging structure.

Flooding Deepens Transportation Crisis

The bridge collapse had already disrupted a major transport corridor linking Kwara State to neighbouring Oyo State and routes extending toward the Benin Republic border.

Monday’s flooding further complicated the situation as a temporary diversion route earlier promised by the state government had yet to be completed.

Video footage from the scene showed partially submerged vehicles struggling through the flooded area while stranded travellers attempted to navigate the rising water levels.

Residents Raise Concerns Over Delayed Intervention

Motorists and residents expressed frustration over delays in completing emergency works around the bridge, warning that conditions could worsen as the rainy season intensifies.

A trader identified as Kafayat said the incident had already affected business activities and increased transportation costs.

“This development has negatively affected economic activities, causing delays and increasing transportation costs for commuters and businesses,” she said.

Residents also questioned why an alternative bridge project situated beside the collapsed structure had remained unfinished for years.

Fears Grow Ahead of Peak Rainfall Season

Communities around the Moro River axis warned that heavier rainfall expected in July and August could trigger more severe flooding if urgent intervention measures are not implemented.

Following the bridge collapse in April, Kwara authorities introduced traffic diversion plans and promised immediate actions to ease hardship.

The Commissioner for Works, Abdulquawiy Olododo, had stated that the state government was collaborating with federal authorities to address the crisis.

He explained that engineers had been mobilised to carry out palliative work on alternative routes while assuring residents that construction of a new bridge a few metres from the collapsed structure was ongoing.

Aging Bridge Under Fresh Scrutiny

The Moro Bridge, a colonial-era Bailey bridge, has served as a key transport link connecting parts of Kwara and Oyo states for decades.

However, the structure has repeatedly undergone rehabilitation due to persistent structural defects, raising fresh concerns over infrastructure maintenance and public safety.

The post Flooding Worsens Moro Bridge Crisis, Strands Commuters on Kwara–Oyo Route appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Leaders of the Ibeju-Lekki Ancestral Community Foundation have expressed concerns over an alleged blocked drainage channel along a section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in Eleko, warning that the situation could trigger severe flooding and force residents from their ancestral communities during heavy rainfall.

The foundation, which represents more than 53 communities including Eleko, Museyo, Opo Ijebu and surrounding settlements, raised the concerns during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Eleko Town Hall on Sunday.

Residents fear that the ongoing construction activities around the coastal highway may create environmental challenges capable of affecting homes, businesses, and livelihoods across affected communities.

Investigations during a visit to the area showed that several houses and shops situated along parts of the highway corridor now sit below road level, increasing fears that heavy rainfall could result in widespread flooding.

Community representatives also pointed to a drainage channel they claimed had been obstructed during construction activities.

Speaking on behalf of the affected communities, community leader Chief Adebayo Agbabiaka said residents were not opposed to development projects but remained worried about the environmental consequences.

“This drainage is about nine to 10 metres wide. Even a small downpour could become disastrous. We support development, but there is concern that homes in this area may not survive major rainfall if there is no proper water passage,” he said.

Agbabiaka further alleged that the blockage of the drainage route appeared intentional and could eventually force residents to abandon their communities.

According to him, frequent flooding could gradually displace residents from ancestral lands that have existed for decades.

He also restated the communities’ opposition to the proposed 150-metre setback along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway corridor, insisting that many residents have nowhere else to relocate.

“We have appealed repeatedly that the 150-metre setback should be reconsidered. We have already given up large portions of land for national development projects and do not want our communities wiped out,” he said.

The community leader maintained that residents had made significant sacrifices over the years through land allocations for major national projects.

He listed projects including the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Dangote Refinery, seaport developments and other infrastructure initiatives as examples of contributions already made by local communities.

Youth coordinator of the affected communities, Ganiyu Adewale, also rejected suggestions of relocation or compensation.

He said residents unanimously agreed that communities should remain in their ancestral lands.

“The project came to meet the communities; the communities did not come to meet the project,” Adewale said.

According to him, local communities have continuously supported development initiatives despite the environmental and social impact on residents.

He explained that people are not against development but want policies that protect indigenous communities from displacement.

The concerns follow earlier reports of anxiety among residents over an alleged plan to enforce a 150-metre setback on both sides of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway corridor.

However, a source within the Federal Ministry of Works reportedly explained that markings along the corridor were carried out by the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation and did not automatically indicate demolition plans.

The source reportedly stated that affected structures were marked primarily to notify residents that certain areas fall within Federal Government land boundaries.

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway remains one of the Federal Government’s largest infrastructure projects. The proposed 700-kilometre road network is expected to connect Lagos to Calabar through multiple coastal states.

Despite its projected economic impact, concerns surrounding displacement, land acquisition and environmental implications continue to generate debate among affected communities and stakeholders.

The post Ibeju-Lekki Communities Warn of Flood Risk Over Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Project appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Festac Town, once hailed as one of Africa’s largest and most organized estates when it opened in 1977, is facing a serious environmental threat. Original buffer zones designed to mitigate flooding, absorb wastewater, and provide greenery are now heavily encroached by commercial shops, mosques, mechanic workshops, petrol stations, and markets. Residents and environmentalists are warning that the estate is now at risk of flooding, pollution, and structural damage.

Pa Isibor Ehimen, who lived in Festac as a young artist, recalls the estate’s glory days. “I have never seen such beauty and organized living anywhere else in Nigeria,” he said. But today, the estate’s original charm has faded, with shanties and makeshift structures replacing the carefully planned residential areas.

Buffer zones, initially designed as windbreakers and environmental safeguards, have been drastically compromised. “Before, you could not see neighboring areas from Festac because the trees in the buffer zones offered full coverage,” said Ademola Onitiri, a concerned resident. “Now, those zones are filled with buildings, motor parks, and markets. It’s a disaster waiting to happen.”

Residents report that drainage systems are blocked by construction along the buffer zones, leading to frequent flooding even during minor rains. “We have dug the drainages countless times, yet water still accumulates because these structures disrupt the flow,” said Chimezie Agumbah. The encroachment not only threatens flood control but also undermines the ecosystem, as the green zones help filter air, absorb carbon dioxide, and maintain a balance within the urban environment.

The Federal Housing Authority (FHA), tasked with regulating construction in Festac Town, has taken some action in the past. During the tenure of former MD Gbenga Ashafa, over 500 illegal shops were demolished. However, residents say the current FHA leadership under Oyetunde Oladimeji Ojo, appointed in February 2024, has done little to prevent further encroachments. “Illegal structures continue to sprout despite assurances,” said Yakubu Inuwa, a resident and immigration officer.

Environmentalists warn that the loss of buffer zones increases vulnerability to extreme weather events. “Festac will be submerged by flood if these green zones are gone,” said Abidemi Olayemi, an agronomist. Esther Obeya, an environmentalist based in Abuja, noted that improper waste and rainwater management could accelerate soil erosion, building collapse, and health hazards.

Amuwo-Odofin Local Government, where Festac Town is located, has raised concerns with the FHA about the encroachments, but residents report that responses are slow. Road rehabilitation projects on 2nd and 7th Avenue are expected to improve traffic flow and mobility, yet the effectiveness will depend on clearing buffer zones of illegal constructions.

Residents urge the government to take immediate measures, including continued demolition of unauthorized structures, enforcement of the master plan, and restoration of green spaces. “The buffer zones are essential not only for flood control but also for preserving Festac Town’s status as one of Africa’s largest planned estates,” said Esther Obeya.

Without decisive action, experts warn that Festac Town faces compounded environmental risks, including flooding, pollution, and infrastructure collapse. Residents, urban planners, and environmentalists continue to call on the FHA and Lagos State government to act before the estate suffers irreversible damage.

The post Festac Town Faces Environmental Disaster as Developers Encroach on Buffer Zones appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Environmental and public health experts have warned that Nigeria may face increased flood risks to housing and critical infrastructure in 2026 as climate change continues to disrupt traditional rainfall patterns.

The warning follows reports of off-season rainfall recorded in parts of Lagos, Ogun, and other states in January and early February 2026 — a period usually characterised by dry weather. Experts say the development is an early signal of more intense and unpredictable rains later in the year, with serious implications for homes, drainage systems, and urban planning.

Speaking on the emerging trend, the Director of Environmental Service at the Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board, Ahoton James, said the unusual rainfall points to growing climate instability that could worsen flooding across residential communities.

According to him, climate change has weakened Nigeria’s ability to predict weather conditions accurately, allowing rainfall to occur outside its traditional season.

Rainfall now falls at unexpected times

James explained that changes in global temperature have altered long-standing climate cycles, making rainfall less predictable and more intense.

He noted that the harmattan period expected in December 2025 and January 2026 was largely absent, while rainfall occurred during months that were previously dry.

“Rain can now fall at any time. The harmattan we experienced only lasted for a few hours before disappearing. These are clear signs that climate change is already affecting us,” he said.

He added that heavier rainfall during unusual periods increases the risk of flash floods, especially in densely populated areas with weak drainage systems.

Housing and infrastructure at risk

Experts warned that the expected rainfall pattern poses a major threat to housing, particularly in low-lying communities, informal settlements, and flood-prone urban areas.

James said prolonged and intense rainfall could overwhelm drainage channels, weaken building foundations, and lead to property losses if proactive measures are not taken.

“With unusual rains, we should also expect unusual heat. Both extremes can happen together, and that combination puts pressure on housing structures and urban infrastructure,” he said.

He noted that flooding is no longer a question of “if” but “when,” urging governments and individuals to prioritise preparedness and resilience.

Unpredictable weather complicates planning

James also highlighted how unpredictable weather patterns have affected forecasting by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMET, noting that weather outcomes often differ from predictions due to rapid climate shifts.

He said early rainfall and rising temperatures are warning signs that should prompt immediate action from authorities responsible for housing, environment, and disaster management.

“These signs are already here. The heavy rains we experienced early this year are early warnings that we must prepare for more severe flooding,” he added.

Public health implications

A public health physician, Prof Adebayo Onajole, warned that flooding linked to unusual rainfall could trigger disease outbreaks and worsen living conditions in affected communities.

According to him, increased rainfall creates stagnant water bodies that promote the spread of waterborne and vector-borne diseases, while rising temperatures accelerate disease transmission.

“When rainfall increases, disease occurrence usually rises. Flooding also damages homes, displaces families, and creates overcrowded shelters, which further threatens public health,” Onajole said.

He urged the government to integrate climate risks into housing and urban development policies to protect lives and property.

Call for improved drainage and preparedness

The President of the Africa Environmental Health Organisation, Afolabi Abiodun, called on governments at all levels to strengthen emergency response systems and invest in drainage infrastructure to reduce flood risks.

He stressed the need for improved maintenance of drainage channels, rivers, and waterways, noting that blocked drains worsen flooding during heavy rainfall.

“Flooding has become more frequent, and response has often been inadequate. What we need is preparedness, clear emergency plans, proactive infrastructure maintenance, and timely intervention,” Abiodun said.

He also urged residents to stop dumping waste in drainage channels, warning that human activities often worsen flood disasters.

As climate change continues to reshape Nigeria’s weather patterns, experts say safeguarding housing and infrastructure will require coordinated action, improved urban planning, and early preparedness to reduce the impact of looming floods.

The post Experts Warn of Flood Risks to Housing as Unusual Rains Loom appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Fresh controversy has erupted over alleged violations of Abuja’s master plan following claims that a designated green area in Maitama Extension has been allocated for residential development.

Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, accused the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), under Minister Nyesom Wike, of approving the construction of about 20 duplexes on protected green land meant for environmental conservation.

Adeyanju alleged that the developers, after realising the estate had no approved access road, resorted to converting a natural canal into a roadway, a move he warned could trigger severe flooding and environmental damage.

In a statement shared with The Whistler on Friday, Adeyanju described the situation as an environmental disaster waiting to happen, particularly during the rainy season.

“I have just discovered that about 20 duplexes are being constructed on a designated green area in Maitama Extension,” he said.

“More alarming is the fact that the developers have now realised there is no access road to the estate and have resorted to converting a canal into a road.”

He warned that blocking or altering a natural water channel could expose residents of Maitama Extension to devastating floods.

“How do you fence off a green area and then proceed to turn a natural water channel into a road, all in the name of greed?” Adeyanju asked.

He further questioned how the project received approval from Development Control, describing the development as a clear distortion of the Abuja Master Plan.

“This is a blatant violation of the Abuja Master Plan. Wike allocated a green area to someone to build residential houses on it,” he alleged.

The Maitama Extension controversy adds to growing public criticism surrounding land allocations under the current FCT administration.

In recent months, several reports have accused the FCT minister of allocating prime land in high-value districts of Abuja to political associates and linked entities, sparking allegations of nepotism and abuse of office.

However, Wike’s camp has consistently denied the claims. His media aide, Lere Olayinka, previously dismissed the allegations as politically motivated blackmail, insisting that no land was allocated to the minister’s children or cronies.

Olayinka also challenged critics to provide verifiable evidence, noting that some of the land size figures being circulated were unrealistic.

Wike has maintained that land revocations and reallocations under his administration were carried out in accordance with the law, as part of efforts to restore order to Abuja’s land administration system.

Nonetheless, Adeyanju warned that allowing residential construction on green areas and waterways could further erode public trust in urban planning authorities and expose residents to avoidable environmental risks.

When contacted for comment, Olayinka said he was out of the country and unable to obtain detailed information due to the ongoing strike affecting FCTA workers.

The post Controversy Trails Maitama Green Area Development as Adeyanju Slams FCT appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

At least 21 people have died and more than 30 remain missing following a landslide caused by heavy rains in western Kenya, the Interior Minister confirmed on Saturday.

The disaster occurred overnight in Marakwet East, a region currently experiencing the rainy season.

Search and rescue operations were suspended for the night due to unsafe conditions.

“We have confirmed the loss of 21 people to this tragedy, while over 30 people are still unaccounted for as reported by their families,” Kipchumba Murkomen wrote on X.

The Kenyan Red Cross shared aerial images showing extensive mudslides and flash flooding.

The organization is coordinating with the government to evacuate injured residents and provide emergency assistance. Access to some affected areas remains extremely difficult due to flooding and blocked roads.

Rescue efforts are ongoing as authorities continue to assess the full impact of the disaster.

The post 21 Dead, 30 Missing in Kenya Landslide appeared first on Housing TV Africa.