Metro

Flood: Bauchi Communities Laud FG On Culverts, Road Construction

Published

2 years ago

October 7, 2023

Some residents of Aria and Zadawa communities in Gamawa and Zaki Local Government Areas of Bauchi State have lauded the federal government for embarking on culverts, road construction and rehabilitation.

They made the commendation on Saturday during a field projects inspection by officials of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Bauchi State.

The two local governments were among the flood-prone LGAs in the state and the federal government through FERMA had swung into action to address the damages caused by flood in the areas.

Speaking with newsmen in Aria community, Malam Sama’ila Bako, the Community Head, said the road which linked many LGAs and other neighbouring states was cut off by flood last year, subjecting farmers and traders into untold difficulties.

“During the flooding, we lost food and property that cannot be quantified but we are grateful now that FERMA is constructing a culvert that will stand the test of time and pave ways for water to move freely,” he said.

Another resident, Shehu mu’azu, explained that everything came to a stand still when the road was washed off.

“Many people plying the road comes from different axis like Mai-gatari, Niger and Yobe states to the market but unfortunately when the rain came, the road collapsed.

“We are very grateful to the government for coming to our rescue, we are so overwhelmed and pray God bless and reward the government for coming to our aid,” he said.

In his contribution, Alhaji Mohammed Sakuwa, who revealed that things became bad for businesses, farming and travelling to go on as usual, appreciated FERMA for embarking on the project.

Also speaking in Zadawa community of Zaki LGA, Mr Tukur Abubakar recounted how the students, farmers, traders and herders used to be stranded for days anytime there was a downpour due to the deplorable condition of the road.

He thanked the federal government for finding it worthy to reconstruct the eight kilometres road, saying it would boost both the economic and academic endeavours of the people of the area.

In his reaction, Engr. Lanpan Joroh, the Federal Road Maintenance Engineer, FERMA, Bauchi State, explained that the federal government had given approval for two out of the five locations affected by flood in Gamawa LGA to be fixed.

“We are going to construct three cell box culverts and two cell box culverts at this location while waiting for an approval for the remaining three locations so that the roads will be motorable for the road users.

“With these two cell and three cell box culverts we are constructing here will take care of the flow of water in this area and prevent the people as well as the road from flooding,” he said.

Speaking on the 8 kilometres road rehabilitation in Zadawa community, Joroh explained that the road which linked many communities in the area was at 50 per cent completion.

He assured that the project which commenced in 2022 would be completed within the next one month.

Metro

Reason Benin Oba Market Was Gutted By Fire Revealed

Published

2 hours ago

October 9, 2025

Editor

Barely six years fire gutted Oba Market in Benin, another fire engulfed the popular market late Wednesday night.

The market, which is being reconstructed after abandonment since the June 2020 fire incident, was reportedly set ablaze by a solar panel.

Inspecting the market on Thursday, the Chairman of Oredo Local Government Council, Engr. Gabriel Iduseri, said only one shop was affected by the fire incident.

He said firefighters and security agencies promptly responded to ensure the fire did not spread to other parts of the market.

Iduseri said traders would be stopped from installing solar panels inside the market to prevent future fire outbreaks.

He said, “We learnt solar panel caused the fire. We are going to stop installation of solar panels and check all the electrical wiring in the market.

“I want to assure that we will support the affected trader to get back to business. There is no much damage. No life was lost. Oredo local government was here and we put measures in place to prevent thieves.”

The affected trader was said to have collapsed last night.

Metro

7 African Countries That Experience Snow

Published

20 hours ago

October 8, 2025

Editor

When people talk about Africa, snow is rarely part of the conversation. The continent is better known for its warm weather, deserts, and beaches than blizzards or ski slopes. Yet scattered across its vast landscapes are places where temperatures drop low enough for snow to fall and sometimes stick.

1. South Africa

Snow isn’t unusual in South Africa, especially in the Drakensberg Mountains and areas around Ceres and Sutherland.

The country even boasts a ski resort, Tiffindell, where visitors can enjoy skiing and snowboarding between June and August.

2. Lesotho

Lesotho, known as the “Kingdom in the Sky”, sits entirely above 1,000 metres in elevation. That high altitude makes it one of the snowiest countries in Southern Africa. The Afriski Mountain Resort becomes a popular destination during the winter months, offering a genuine alpine experience.

3. Morocco

In Morocco, the Atlas Mountains receive regular snowfall between December and March. The Oukaïmeden Ski Resort, located just outside Marrakech, attracts locals and tourists eager to ski or simply enjoy a mountain escape, all within view of the desert.

4. Algeria

The Tell Atlas and Aurès Mountains in Algeria get dusted with snow each winter. Towns such as Setif and Batna often experience several snowy days, creating a rare but beautiful contrast between the icy peaks and the nearby Sahara sands.

5. Tunisia

In Tunisia’s Kroumirie Mountains, particularly around Aïn Draham, snow is a familiar winter visitor. The region’s pine forests and rolling hills transform into a quiet, white landscape that feels far removed from the country’s sunny Mediterranean coast.

6. Kenya

Snow in Kenya may sound impossible, but the peaks of Mount Kenya are permanently capped with ice. Although the glaciers are shrinking, climbers still trek to the summit to witness the rare sight of snow just a few degrees south of the equator.

7. Tanzania

Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro remains Africa’s most famous snowy landmark.

Its white summit rises above the plains, a stunning reminder of the continent’s diverse climates and a view that has inspired countless travellers and photographers.

Snow might not be the first thing that comes to mind when people think of Africa, but it’s part of the story too. In these high-altitude regions, winter shows up quietly.

Metro

NDLEA Arrests 54 Suspected Traffickers, Seizes 1,506.57kg of Drugs In Edo

Published

2 days ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

Operatives of the Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have arrested 54 suspected drug traffickers with 1,506.57kg of various narcotic drugs.

The state commander of the agency, Mitchell Ofoyeju disclosed this on Tuesday while presenting the operational scorecard of the command in Benin City.

Ofoyeju said the seizure of the drugs and arrest of the suspects took place in the month of September.

He added that a total of 66,078,57kg of skunk cannabis were destroyed by the Command in the period under review.

The Commander, who said that the command recorded significant successes in its operations within the month, added that it was part of its concerted effort to combat drug trafficking and abuse in the state.

He gave the breakdown of the arrested suspects to include 43 males and 11 females.

He also added that during the operation six illicit plantations spanning over 26.43 hectares were destroyed.

Ofoyeju explained that the destroyed plantations were located at Ugbogui Forest, Ovia South West, Ataroro Forest, Owan West, Urohi Forest, Esan West, and Ogu Forest, Igueben Local Government Areas of the State with an estimated yield of 66,078.5715 kg of skunk cannabis.

“The command also intercepted 1,506.57kg of illicit drugs,” Mitchell stated while emphasising the command’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks operating within the state.

“The breakdown of the seized drugs is as follows: Cannabis Sativa 1,502. 26 Kg, psychotropic substances 4.27kg including tramadol 3.964kg, nitrazepam 0.087kg, Swinol 0.0445kg, Danabol (Molly) 0.1163kg, methamphetamine 0.0184 Kg, cocaine 0.028 Kg and heroin 0.014kg”, he said.

The NDLEA Commander in the state while expressing determination in the command’s campaign against drug trafficking, reiterated the importance of strategic operations in safeguarding communities and reducing drug demand.

He posited that the successs signified a critical step toward reclaiming the safety and health of citizens, as Edo State continues to grapple with the pressing issues of drug trafficking and abuse.