Metro

Almost a million people displaced by floods in West Africa

Published

2 months ago

September 10, 2024

Almost 950,000 people have been displaced from their homes in Mali, Nigeria, and Niger as a result of the recent torrential rains and flooding.

The hundreds of thousands of children who are being displaced are at risk for sickness, starvation due to agricultural destruction, and disruptions to their schooling, as warned by the non-governmental organisation Save the Children on Friday, September 6.

In West Africa, this is typically the rainiest period of the year, but this year’s rains have been more than usual.

Of the 36 states in Nigeria, 29 have experienced widespread flooding. The two main rivers, the Niger and the Benue, are now at higher water levels due to the heavy downpour, which has caused dams to overflow.

Gao in the northeast and three Malian regions in the west have been affected. Floods that started in May in neighbouring Niger have devastated all eight districts, sweeping away homes and leaving a trail of devastation in their wake. According to Save the Children, the Maradi region in the southern part of the country was primarily affected.

In the three nations, there have been at least 460 fatalities.

With 15,656 infected children or almost 51% of the total number of affected children in Mali, the Segou region is the most affected.

In response to the floods in Adamawa state, Nigeria, Save the Children is providing foldable mattresses, blankets, and supplies for hygiene and sanitation to the most vulnerable homes, particularly those with elderly and children.

Africa is dealing with many climate-related issues. While rainfall has had disastrous impacts in nations like Sudan, Uganda, and the Central African Republic over the past two years, Eastern Africa struggles with drought. Climate change has been connected to the developments.

Related Topics:Featured Flood West Africa

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Metro

Zambian govt successfully repatriates trafficked toddler from Mozambique

Published

17 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The Zambian government has announced the successful repatriation of a one-year-eight-month-old child who was trafficked to Mozambique.

Making the announcement at a media briefing held at the Ministry’s head office in Lusaka on Friday, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, Angela Kawandami, expressed relief and joy at the child’s return, following the abduction from Lundazi District in October 2023.

Kawandami revealed that the case was reported to Lundazi Police Station on October 28, 2023, and following intense investigation, the child was trailed to a house in a care facility in Tete, Mozambique, before being repatriated.

Kawandami emphasized government’s commitment to protecting children’s rights, citing the Children’s Code Act of 2022 and the Anti-Human Trafficking Act of 2008 as essential tools in combating child trafficking.

“These laws mandate the state and relevant actors to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of children, especially those at risk of trafficking,” she said.

She further highlighted the role of Zambia’s National Referral Mechanism in ensuring a coordinated, multi-sectoral response to trafficking cases.

“Through effective collaboration between the Ministries of Community Development and Social Services, Home Affairs and Internal Security, the Zambia Police Service’s Anti-Human Trafficking Department, and Interpol, the child was returned safely after a year of continuous efforts,” she narrated.

She urged the public to remain vigilance and report suspected trafficking cases, noting the increasing threat of human trafficking.

Also speaking at the press briefing, the Director for Anti-Human Trafficking in the Ministry of Home Affairs Boris Mulengu, praised the strong cooperation between Zambia and Mozambique, stressing the importance of intergovernmental collaboration in combating trafficking.

Meanwhile, the child’s mother expressed heartfelt gratitude for her child’s safe return, acknowledging the emotional toll the abduction had caused.

She thanked the government and all involved agencies for their unwavering dedication to reuniting her with her child.

Metro

Finland-based Nigerians in panic as authorities search for Simon Ekpa’s sponsors

Published

20 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Some Nigerians based in Finland have been thrown into panic mode following the arrest and detention of the self-styled Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRIGE), Simon Ekpa, who was arrested on Thursday by Finnish authorities on terror-related charges.

Ekpa was arrested alongside four other individuals by Finnish authorities on suspicion of terror-related activities, including incitement to violence and financing terrorism.

The dissident had made himself infamous by using the social media to promote violent activities in southeastern Nigeria, including attacks and murder of civilians and security personnel.

According to some Nigerians in European country, following the arrest of the separatist leader and the four individuals suspected to be sponsors of his group known as IPOB-AutoPilots, the police have begun a manhunt for other sponsors, thus creating panic in the Nigerian community and those who may have had dealings with the agitator.

Several sources who spoke to journalists, said Nigerians in the European country are afraid of commenting on the arrest of Ekpa over fear of being attacked.

A Nigerian community leader, who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation, said that the Igbo community in the was gravely affected by the violent acts of the secessionist group.

“Everyone is afraid to speak about Ekpa’s arrest. The key people in Finland and the Igbo community at large are not ready to lend their voices either,” he said.

He added that some persons were being accused of reporting Ekpa to the police and were being threatened.

“A particular person they accused now, they’re after him. This happened before he (Ekpa) was even remanded; what will happen when they imprison him? Everyone is afraid. These people are very deadly.”

Another Nigerian who spoke acknowledged that there was serious tension among Nigerians in the country.

“People don’t want to speak about Ekpa for fear of being hunted by his followers. We believe that they will hunt whoever comes out to talk about their leader. But the Finnish Government is trying to get rid of the situation.”