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BREAKING: Six more deaths confirmed in Afriland Towers fire

At least six additional deaths have been confirmed following the fire outbreak at Afriland Towers, a six-storey commercial building on Broad Street, Lagos Island, Lagos State.

The victims were employees of United Capital, a financial and investment services firm occupying the 3rd and 4th floors of the tower.

The confirmation comes just hours after the Federal Inland Revenue Service announced that four of its staff members also died in the incident on Wednesday evening.

The PUNCH reported that the fire, which reportedly started in the inverter room in the basement around 1:30 pm on Tuesday, sent thick smoke into the air and triggered panic among occupants. Some individuals were seen attempting to escape through windows as emergency responders battled the flames.

Officials of the Federal Fire Service, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and other first responders rescued at least nine persons from the building. Five were revived, while four remained unconscious.

“A total of nine victims have been rescued. Five individuals have been resuscitated. Several others escaped unhurt, while efforts are ongoing to revive the remaining four,” the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service said in a statement on Tuesday, raising concerns about possible casualties.

In an exclusive statement shared with our correspondent on Thursday morning, United Capital confirmed it lost six members of staff to the tragedy. This takes the confirmed number of deaths from the Afriland Towers fire tragedy to 10.

“It is with profound grief that the Management and Staff of United Capital Plc announce the passing of six of our dear colleagues, following the tragic fire at Afriland Towers on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.

“Our departed colleagues were an integral part of our company and family. Their painful loss leaves an immeasurable void. We extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones, and we continue to hold them in our thoughts and prayers, as well as provide all the support we can to them during this most difficult time.

“We are making preparations for an appropriate memorial service to honour their lives and mark their passing with dignity and solemnity. We thank the emergency services and all those who responded for their valiant assistance at the time of the incident.

“In this moment of untold grief, we stand together in solidarity, drawing strength from one another as we navigate this period. May the souls of the departed rest in peace,” the company said.

Emergency responders had earlier confirmed rescuing several occupants after the fire, which was believed to have been triggered by an inverter explosion. While officials have yet to release an official casualty figure, eyewitnesses and internal company sources insist that “not everyone made it out alive.”

Attempts to reach the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the National Emergency Management Agency, and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency for confirmation were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

Private sector key to future of Carnival Calabar, says festival chairman

The Chairman of Carnival Calabar, Gabe Onah, has called for stronger private sector investment to sustain the popular street party.

Onah made the call on the sidelines of the 21st Akwaaba African Travel Market on Tuesday in Lagos.

The chairman said the annual carnival, which would turn 20 this year, was originally designed as a strategy for community participation and economic development.

“Carnival Calabar must breathe beyond the stranglehold of government.

“For sustainability, the private sector has to take more than a passing interest,” he said.

Onah credited the continuity of the festival to successive governors of Cross River, such as Donald Duke, Liyel Imoke, Ben Ayade, and the present governor, Bassey Otu.

He, however, emphasised that the community buy-in and the welcoming spirit of Calabar’s people were just as significant.

“The smiles of our people, the restfulness of the city and our natural blessings – vegetation, mountains, waterfronts and greenery – are what make Calabar stand out,” he said.

Speaking on Akwaaba’s role in regional tourism, Onah described the event as the melting point for the travel and trade industry.

“In tourism, we will keep saying partners must collaborate, not compete.

“Akwaaba has successfully done this for Nigeria,” he said.

Highlighting emerging trends, he said today’s tourists are digital, unique and global.

Onah emphasised the need to embrace artificial intelligence in tourism promotion.

The chairman added that families were becoming more central to travel decisions, which he said informed the upgrade of the children’s carnival to a junior carnival in Calabar.

Onah also noted that there was a growing demand for takeaways and memorabilia, as visitors seek lasting connections to cultural experiences.

It can be recalled that PUNCH Online reports on January 11, 2025, that the Cross River Tourism Bureau reported that the 2024 Calabar Carnival drew over 300,000 tourists between November 1 and December 31, marking a 42 per cent increase from 2023.

The month-long festival also attracted an estimated 450,000 onsite spectators for signature events such as the Cultural Carnival, Children’s Carnival, and Bikers Carnival, while more than 1.2 billion viewers tuned in globally via DSTV and over 100 million through live online streaming.

Most visitors came from Abuja, Lagos, and Akwa Ibom, which boosted Calabar’s hotel occupancy rate to 68 per cent, with more than 90 per cent of hotels fully booked during the peak period in December.

According to the bureau’s Managing Director, Ekpenyong Ojoi, the festival generated significant economic impact, with hotel bookings valued at N2.79 billion and food sales estimated at N900 million.

Major events such as Funfest and the Calabar Fashion Show brought in N100 million, while nightclubs generated N400 million. Ancillary activities, including online streaming, car rentals, and food and drinks, added another N1 billion, while visitor transportation costs reached N8.87 billion, underscoring the carnival’s growing role as a key driver of tourism and revenue for Cross River State.

Carnival Calabar has shown its strength as both a cultural celebration and an economic driver for Cross River State. But as Chairman Gabe Onah noted, its long-term success will rely on greater private sector involvement to ensure the festival continues to thrive beyond government support.

NEMA leads evacuation as flood ravages Adamawa communities

The Yola Operations Office of the National Emergency Management Agency has led search, rescue, and evacuation efforts after severe flash flooding submerged 13 communities across Yola North and Yola South Local Government Areas of Adamawa State on Tuesday.

The downpour, which began around 4 a.m. and lasted until noon, left worship centres, residential buildings, and business premises inundated.

Thousands of households were displaced in areas including Damilu, Jambutu, Bachure, Runde, and Shinko, with many families forced to shelter along major roads.

This comes barely two months after a similar disaster claimed over 30 lives in the state.

On Sunday, the Federal Government had warned that 32 locations across 11 states, including Adamawa, were at risk of heavy rainfall and flooding between September 14 and 18, 2025.

Speaking exclusively to The PUNCH, the Executive Secretary of the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency, Dr. Celine Laori, described the situation as devastating.

“So far, there is no life lost recorded. My office, the police, fire service and other security agencies are all carrying out rescue operations now in the affected areas,” she said.

The spokesperson for the Adamawa State Police Command, SP Suleiman Nguroje, in a statement, said the command had deployed its marine unit to support rescue missions.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Dankombo Morris, has personally visited some flood-affected areas of Limiwa, Rumde, Shinko, Jambutu, amongst others, to assess the situation for necessary assistance. Members of the public in the affected areas are advised to remain calm, avoid flooded zones, and ensure the safety of their families and property,” he stated.

On its official X handle, NEMA confirmed that its rapid-response teams, working alongside ADSEMA, the fire services, local emergency volunteers, and security agencies, had evacuated vulnerable households, including women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, from high-risk zones to temporary shelters.

“NEMA teams conducted rapid on-the-spot assessments to determine the extent of flooding, damage to property and infrastructure, and urgent humanitarian needs,” the agency added, noting that the operation was carried out in close collaboration with state authorities and humanitarian partners to ensure timely assistance and prevent duplication of efforts.

Flood submerges farmlands, 18 communities in Niger

Flood has submerged several farmlands in some communities in Niger State.

This followed an early morning rainfall on Sunday which ripped through farmĺands in Kafin Koro, Paikoro local government areas of the state.

The flood also affected 18 communities in Lapai Local Government Area of the state where some farmlands were also affected, and many others at risk of being swept away.

Some of the affected communities include Dere, Eshi, Apataku, Tsakanabi, Kuchi Kakanda, Arah, Achiba, Rebba, Ebwa, Pele, Edda, Rigido, Gbami, Yawa, Baka, and Muye.

The state government on Sunday re-echoed its earlier warning to riverine communities in the state to immediately relocate to higher grounds, saying the rains have intensified across the state.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication, Media and Strategy, Jonathan Vatsa, in a statement, appealed to communities in the affected areas to immediately relocate to a safer place to avoid further disaster in the state.

Vatsa said that though the government understood the people’s attachment to their ancestral homes, there is the need for them to adhere to the government warning and relocate pending when the rains woulď be over.

“We as a government will continue to be proactive by appealing to the people, especially those in the flood-prone areas, to immediately move upland to avoid the experience of the Mokwa disaster.

“The government is aware of their attachments to their ancestral homes and lands, but with the various flood alerts, and what we are already experiencing, there is an urgent need for them to heed to the government’s warning.

“The Mokwa experience is still very much with us, and we can not afford a repeat of such an experience.

“That is why the government is urging the people to move to a higher ground,” Vatsa said.

The special adviser disclosed that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency had previously identified 15 out of the 25 local government areas in the state as very vulnerable to flooding every rainy season.

The Federal Government had instructed residents of four local government areas of the state to move to safer locations as heavy rainfall was expected to trigger flooding between July 31 and August 5, 2025.

This latest directive by the Federal Government follows a flood alert issued by the National Flood Early Warning Centre under the Federal Ministry of Environment, which revealed that communities in Rijau, Sarkin Pawa, Suleja, and Mashegu are at high risk of flooding during the forecast period.

The Federal Government’s warning was contained in a statement titled “Flood Prediction”, signed by the Director of Erosion, Flood, and Coastal Zone Management Department, Usman Bokani, where he urged relevant authorities to take proactive measures to mitigate any disaster.

While disclosing that the state government would soon embark on an enlightenment campaign to all the flood-prone communities, Vatsa called on traditional rulers, community and religious leaders to join the government in sensitising the people.

Rainstorm destroys 50 houses in Plateau community

A severe rainstorm swept through the Shimankar District in Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State on Sunday, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

According to eyewitnesses, at least 50 houses, including schools and worship centres were destroyed in the Menkaat community.

A resident of Menkaat community, Lawrence Longwwlk, confirmed the incident to PUNCH Online in Jos on Sunday.

He said the devastating storm, which occurred early Sunday morning, blew off roofs and caused several buildings to collapse.

He added that residents of the affected area are in dire need of assistance, with two primary schools and a worship centre completely destroyed.

“We’ve been hit seriously by this rainstorm. At least 50 houses have been affected.

“Two primary schools and a worship centre in Shimankar was completely blown down by rainstorm.

” From the level of damage, the people need urgent help.” Longwalk said, echoing the sentiments of the community, who are calling for intervention from relevant authorities.

The incident highlights the vulnerability of communities in Plateau State to natural disasters, particularly during the rainy season.

With the state’s geography characterised by rocky formations and high altitudes, residents are often exposed to harsh weather conditions.

The Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, Sunday Abdu, was not immediately available for comment when contacted by our correspondent.

However, a staff member of the agency, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed that the agency was aware of the havoc caused by the rainstorm in Shendam and was making plans to visit the affected community to assess the situation and provide possible assistance.

One dies in Jigawa motorcycle accident

A motorcycle accident has claimed one life and left four others injured in Jigawa State.

The accident occurred on Friday along the Kafin Hausa-Auno, Sabon Gari Ruba Road in the Kafin Hausa Local Government Area of the state.

Confirming the incident in a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday in Dutse, the state capital, by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Jigawa Command’s Public Relations Officer, Badruddeen Tijjani, the accident happened at about 14:20 hours.

The motorcycle, which was carrying six young individuals returning from the farm, reportedly caught fire immediately after the crash, resulting in severe burns to five of the riders.

“The victims were identified as Iliya Ashura Makera, 15 years; Babanan Musa, 22 years; Mubarak Ibrahim Tahir, 14 years; Abdullmumuni Garba, 12 years; and Abdulsalam Garba, 14 years,” the statement said.

Accordingly, Tijjani revealed in the statement that the NSCDC operatives at Kafin Hausa Divisional Office, led by CSC Nehemiah John Gata, responded promptly, rescuing the victims and conveying them to the General Hospital, Kafin Hausa, for medical attention.

Unfortunately, due to the severity of his injuries, Abdullmumuni Garba, one of the victims, was referred to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital for specialised treatment, but passed away en route to the facility.

“The victims of the accident are currently receiving medical attention, and the NSCDC is providing support to the families of the victims.

“The command is also investigating the cause of the accident to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident,” Tijjani disclosed.

However, the statement reads further that the State Commandant, Bala Bodinga, and the entire officers and men of the NSCDC extended their heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.

The commandant reiterated the importance of safe riding practices, especially among youths, and urged parents, community leaders, and all stakeholders to continue sensitising young people on road safety.

Bodinga, therefore, urged motorcyclists to always follow traffic rules and regulations and to avoid overloading their motorcycles.

He also appealed to parents and guardians to educate their children on the importance of road safety.

“It is essential for parents, community leaders, and all stakeholders to educate young people on road safety and the risks associated with reckless behaviour,” he emphasised.

Floods: 165 dead, 119,791 affected in 2025– NEMA

The National Emergency Management Agency said no fewer than 165 persons have died, 82 missing and 119,791 persons have been affected by this year’s flooding.

NEMA revealed this in its data dashboard on Friday.

The agency also stated that 138 persons sustained various degrees of injuries, 43,936 displaced, 8,594 houses affected and 8,278 farmlands destroyed across 43 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 19 States.

According to the agency, children and women were mostly affected.

It said, “53,314 children , 36,573 women, 24,600 men, 5,304 elderly, 1,863 disabled persons have so far been affected by this year flood.”

The states with the highest number of affected persons are Imo, Rivers, Abia, Borno and Kaduna States.

Meanwhile, the 19 states affected are; Abia, FCT, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Borno, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Ondo, Rivers and Sokoto States.

Floods: 165 dead, 119,791 affected in 2025– NEMA

The National Emergency Management Agency said no fewer than 165 persons have died, 82 missing and 119,791 persons have been affected by this year’s flooding.

NEMA revealed this in its data dashboard on Friday.

According to the agency, children and women were mostly affected.

It said, “53,314 children , 36,573 women, 24,600 men, 5,304 elderly, 1,863 disabled persons have so far been affected by this year flood.”

The states with the highest number of affected persons are Imo, Rivers, Abia, Borno and Kaduna States.

Meanwhile, the 19 states affected are; Abia, FCT, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Borno, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Ondo, Rivers and Sokoto States.

Many feared dead as truck crashes into bystanders in Anambra

Several persons were feared dead on Friday night after a trailer lost control and rammed into them along the Chisco Park Junction in Amichi, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

It was gathered that the fatal accident occurred around 9:30pm when the driver of the trailer experienced brake failure and crashed into pedestrians on the roadside, resulting in multiple fatalities.

The incident which was also captured on the Amichi City-wide CCTV system, showed some of the knocked-down victims lying on the ground, while some residents and other road users were seen bemoaning the incident and offering rescue assistance to the victims.

Some eyewitnesses near the scene told our correspondent said the accident occurred within a short period of time as the victims who were mostly doing their usual night business did not see the incoming trailer towards them.

One of the eyewitnesses, who gave his name simply as Uche, said, “The crash, which occurred at about 9:30pm yesterday(Friday) came as a shock given the short period within which everything happened.

“The people were doing their usual night business and engaging in their usual activities while some passengers were waiting to board vehicles when the trailer uncontrollably rammed into them, knocking many down, including motorcyclists, a little girl, bystanders, and some petty traders.

“Some road users who saw the trailer on time as it was dangerously approaching the area were able to escape the tragedy. Several persons who were knocked were mostly those waiting to board vehicles and some people doing business near the park.

“The bodies of the victims lay on the ground before the rescue operations from pedestrians and the arrival of security operatives.”

When contacted on the development on Saturday, the Spokesperson for the Federal Road Safety Corps, Anambra sector, Margaret Onabe, confirmed the incident, but could not give the actual casualty figure.

“Yes, we received the accident of the accident, but information about the crash and the casualty rate is still being gathered, we will issue a statement soon,” Onabe said.

Oyo issues flood alert ahead of heavy rainfall

Oyo State Emergency Management Agency, on Tuesday, alerted people living in flood-prone communities in the state to start preparing for heavy rain and its attendant flooding.

This was contained in a statement released by the Administrative Secretary of SEMA, Ojuolape Busari, in Ibadan, the state capital.

She explained that the reports from the state Flood Early Warning System indicated that the areas to the east and northeast of Ibadan city centre are likely to experience the heaviest rainfall.

Busari said, “This includes parts of Lagelu Local Government Area, especially areas like Iyana Offa; Moniya (eastern parts), and communities further east towards Osun State.

“According to the information made available by the state Flood Early Warning System, some parts of the north of Ibadan city, possibly parts of Egbeda LGA (eastern edges) and areas bordering Lagelu LGA, will experience heavy rainfall today.

“Communities along the Ibadan-Ife Road (A5 highway) eastward: Areas like Egbeda and further east on this major road, will also experience heavy rainfall.”

The administrative secretary further said areas with moderate to heavy rainfall, determined by the flood early warning system, and ascertained by Google Maps, will encompass most of Ibadan Metropolis (eastern and central parts).

She said, “This includes areas like IITA itself, the Ibadan Airport, University of Ibadan, Ojoo, Akobo, Basorun, Gate, Challenge, Ring Road, and many other densely populated areas within the city.

“Parts of Akinyele Local Government, especially the eastern and central parts, parts of Oluyole Local Government, especially Northeastern sections too.”

Busari assured all that the agency and other relevant agencies of government, voluntary agencies, and civil society groups are prepared to intervene and ameliorate the plight of persons and communities who might be affected.

She, therefore, urged people of the state to immediately commence preparations to avert dire consequences, saying, “discretion is the better part of valour.”