By Sarah NEGEDU
Floods and rising insecurity have hit communities in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, destroying farmlands and homes, and leaving residents in fear.
A heavy downpour between Monday night and Tuesday morning wreaked havoc across several villages, destroying homes, bamboo restaurants, and farmlands.
Communities worst hit by the flood include Gudaba, Kuchiyakwo, and Pegi, where farmlands ready for harvest were submerged by flash floods.
One of the affected individuals, Mr. Hassan, a local farmer, confirmed that he lost two separate sections of his maize farm to the flood. According to him, “My first corn field was completely destroyed on Monday and by Tuesday morning, the remaining plot had been submerged. It’s really frustrating as I am strongly dependent on that farmland for produce.”
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet,, in its 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction, had earlier warned of above-average rainfall in the North Central region, including the FCT, noting that flooding was likely in areas with poor drainage and unregulated development.
Meanwhile, in another part of the council, residents are raising alarm over growing insecurity. Residents of Locust, a rural settlement in Kuje, say they are under siege from a spike in armed robberies and killings.
According to residents, multiple incidents have shaken the community over the past two months. One case that continues to spark concern is the killing of a resident during an armed robbery attack in May.
“He was shot while trying to protect his family. His body is still in the morgue due to family constraints. We’re living in fear every night,” said Miss Faith Apeh, a stylist who lives near the victim of a robbery attack that occurred in May.
Although the area has yet to record kidnapping incidents, locals say night-time robberies and violent attacks have surged over the last two months. In response, the community has launched informal patrols made up of youths and elders using personal resources.
Accommunity leader, Mallam Iliya Yusuf, said the community has organized informal patrol groups led by local youth and elders who rely on personal resources to conduct nightly surveillance.
Yusuf, noted that while the community is doing its best, lasting security requires active government. He therefore appeal to the Kuje Area Council and the FCT authorities for urgent assistance before the situation worsens.
