UNIBEN students trapped in Benin building collapse

An unconfirmed number of students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) have been trapped in the rubbles of a three-storey building located on Ekhator Street in Ekosodin, which collapsed on Saturday.

The building is said to have been a popular student residential area in Benin occupied by the students of the University.

Eyewitnesses told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin that although some students sustained injuries, there was no record of any fatalities yet.

One witness said the building had been a single-storey structure for years but was recently undergoing renovation with the addition of two more floors.

“The owner wanted to make more money since houses are now like diamonds in Ekosodin.

“The building’s foundation and structure were not designed to support the added floors, leading to the collapse.

“It’s like building a tower of Babylon,” the witness said.

Though the university management had yet to issue an official statement in respect of the development, rescue operations were still ongoing when a NAN correspondent visited the scene.

A student who lives in the area said the building fell amidst a downpour that started from Friday night to Saturday morning in Benin.

“The building gave in when the rain became too much this morning. The rain started since yesterday night.

“As you can see, rescue operations are still ongoing. There is a belief that some victims are still trapped inside,” he said.

When contacted, SP Moses Yamu, the Public Relations Officer of the Police Command in Edo confirmed the incident.

“Rescue operations are still ongoing and until that is concluded, we cannot confirm whether there are death casualties or not.

“As soon as I have the report, we will let you know,” he said.

Maiduguri Flood Disaster: Vice President Shettima Leads High-Powered Delegation for On-the-Spot Assessment

By Ibrahim Abubakar Yola

Vice President Kashim Shettima led a high-powered Federal Government delegation to Maiduguri to assess the devastating flood disaster caused by the collapse of a dam in the metropolis. The visit, aimed at offering support and commiserating with the government and people of Borno State, comes as part of a broader federal response to the unfolding humanitarian crisis.

During the visit, Vice President Shettima addressed displaced persons currently sheltering at the Bakassi camp, provided by the state government. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that every victim and community affected by the floods receives adequate support, and pledged that recovery efforts would reach all corners impacted by the disaster.

The delegation also paid a visit to the palace of the Shehu of Borno, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba Al Amin El-Kanemi, to discuss further measures of support and cooperation.

In parallel, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has ramped up its response, deploying additional search and rescue teams to assist residents still trapped in their homes. NEMA has also warned of the potential risk of waterborne diseases stemming from the contamination of household water sources, and is providing clean water to shelters like the Bakassi camp to mitigate this risk.

“Our officials, along with personnel from sister agencies, are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and welfare of all affected individuals,” NEMA officials stated. “We commend the people of Borno State for their voluntary efforts in providing humanitarian assistance alongside our teams.”

This coordinated federal response highlights the gravity of the situation in Maiduguri, as the government continues to prioritize the safety, recovery, and wellbeing of all affected by the disaster.

Heavy floods in Yemen due to heavy rains led to the collapse of three dams in the north-western province of al-Mahwit, killing several people and leaving at least 30 missing.

The residents in the areas told reporters on Wednesday.

They could not confirm the casualty toll.

Many families remained under the rubble in the Malhan district.

Cars were swept away and roads have been cut off, they added.

The collapsing dams caused mountain rockslides, affecting people and houses in the province, located near the capital Sana’a.

The province is controlled by the Houthi rebels, who took control of large parts of Yemen in 2014.

The Houthi-affiliated al-Masirah TV reported that several ambulances from neighbouring areas in al-Mahwit as well as Hodeida province were sent to assist.

Heavy rains and floods have been hitting Yemen for weeks, causing destruction and displacement in several provinces, and exacerbating an already dire situation in the war-torn country.

The Yemen Red Crescent Society said that more than 340,000 people have been directly affected by the heavy rains and flooding nationwide.

Two weeks ago, the UN said that at least 60 people were killed in several provinces.

Yemen has been embroiled in a disastrous power struggle since 2014 between government forces, supported by a Saudi Arabia-led coalition, and the Iran-linked Houthi rebels.

The war has taken a heavy toll on the infrastructure in the already impoverished country and the UN considers Yemen one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world.

Floods hit the country almost annually, leaving many dead or displaced.

Although conflict declined over the past two years, no sustainable political settlement has been reached.