馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Bode George attributes Lagos flooding to extensive lagoon sand-filling
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Bode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, has stated that persistent flooding in parts of Lagos is due to what he described as indiscriminate and "greedy" sand-filling of the Lagos Lagoon. In an interview, George explained that large areas of Ikoyi and Lekki were originally surrounded by water before extensive land reclamation projects altered the natural landscape. He noted that the environmental consequences of these projects are now evident. George recalled that Lekki villages existed before the sand-filling connected parts of the area to Ikoyi, which was previously all water. He warned that excessive land reclamation has significantly reduced the lagoon鈥檚 capacity to receive stormwater, exacerbating flooding across the state. He observed that the lagoon's level is now higher than the IBB Bridge and surrounding roads, reversing the natural drainage pattern. This makes it difficult for rainwater to flow into the lagoon, leading to water accumulation on roads unless mechanical pumping systems are used. He cited the Obalende Canal during the rainy season as an example of widespread flooding.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Neymar has returned to his boyhood club Santos with only a few months remaining on his contract, raising questions about his future in football. This follows his indication that he might no longer play for Brazil after their World Cup disappointment. The injury-plagued player featured in only two matches at the World Cup, scoring one goal in Brazil's 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16. Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading scorer, responded to a fan-made video suggesting he chase a sixth World Cup title with laughing/crying emojis. He rejoined Santos in January 2025 from Saudi club Al-Hilal, and his contract is set to expire in December. After left-knee surgery, Neymar played in eight of Santos's 19 Brasileirao matches in 2026, scoring four goals and providing two assists. A source at Santos stated that contract renewal hinges on the club's board elections in December. Santos president Marcelo Teixeira, who facilitated Neymar's return, has not confirmed if he will seek re-election. Following Brazil's World Cup exit, Neymar had expressed that his international career was over, but his father and agent, Neymar Santos Sr, encouraged him to continue playing. Media reports suggest Neymar is considering a move to US Major League Soccer MLS, with previous negotiations with FC Cincinnati reportedly falling through. The MLS currently features veteran stars like Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann, and Thomas Mueller.
Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, Regional Leader of the Church of Christ in Nations, claims he and his church members received a death threat letter from suspected terrorists. This follows an attack in Plateau State where nine of his relatives were reportedly killed. Dachomo shared on his X handle that the letter, written in both Hausa and English, warned of an imminent attack on him. He stated that copies of these threats have been given to security agencies. Despite the threats, Dachomo expressed no fear, asserting his life is in God's hands and quoting Psalm 118:6. He reflected on the pain of burying loved ones and comforting families affected by violence, questioning if his advocacy for widows, orphans, and persecuted Christians is considered a crime. Dachomo affirmed his commitment to speaking the truth, believing that while his life may be threatened, the message cannot be silenced. He urged the international community to remember victims of violence and demand justice, stating that if he is killed, he wishes to be remembered as someone whose only weapon was the truth. Dachomo previously alleged that nine of his relatives were among those killed in the July 11 attack on Kum and Wereng-Camp communities in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, an incident where PUNCH Online reported nine members of a single family were killed, though it could not independently verify Dachomo's claim about the victims being his relatives. The cleric is known for his advocacy for victims of at
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, rescued nine kidnap victims, recovered 56 rustled animals, and arrested a suspected terrorist during separate operations in Katsina State. Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, stated that these operations were conducted across different parts of the state based on credible intelligence. Troops of Sector 2 rescued three women, four men, and two children in Faskari Local Government Area. Preliminary investigations revealed that these victims were abducted by terrorists on July 9, 2026, along the Tsafe鈥揔uchere Road in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The victims reported escaping from their captors after they fell asleep and were subsequently intercepted and rescued by the troops. They are currently in safe custody awaiting reunification with their families. Additionally, troops foiled a livestock rustling attempt in Bakori Local Government Area, recovering 56 animals, including four cattle and fifty-two sheep, after terrorists fled upon encountering the soldiers. A suspected terrorist was also arrested in Danmusa Local Government Area, with items recovered suggesting links to terrorist activities. The suspect remains in military custody for further investigation. The Theatre Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA commended the troops and reaffirmed the Joint Task Force鈥檚 commitment to intelligence-led operations to combat terrorism and criminal activities in the No