Disaster/Tragedy
TEXAS FLOODING DEATH TOLL RISES TO AT LEAST 104, WITH 28 CHILDREN AMONG THE DEAD
The death toll from the devastating flash floods in central Texas has risen to at least 104, with 28 children among the victims. The floods, which occurred over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, have left an unknown number of people still missing.
In Kerr County, where the flooding was most severe, searchers have found the bodies of 84 people, including 27 children. Ten campers and one counselor remain missing from Camp Mystic, a summer camp for girls that was hit hard by the floods.
“It’s hard, but first responders, we’re a different breed, pretty much,” said Jesús Gomez, a firefighter from the Mexican border town of Acuña, who was part of a crew that helped with search and rescue efforts. “It’s a lot of mental health things we need to do, but it’s not the first time we see a dead body.”
The floods have drawn a massive search effort, with officials and volunteers working together to find missing people. Governor Greg Abbott has said that 41 people are unaccounted for across the state, and more could be missing.
“It’s every parent’s nightmare,” said Senator Ted Cruz, who picked up his daughter from a camp in the area just a week ago. “The pain and agony of not knowing your children’s whereabouts is the worst thing imaginable.”
The floods have also sparked questions about the preparedness and response of officials. Survivors have described the floods as a “pitch black wall of death” and said they received no emergency warnings. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly said that “nobody saw this coming,” but officials have come under scrutiny for not alerting residents and summer camps along the river sooner.
The National Weather Service had issued flash flood warnings in the area before the floods, but it’s unclear whether these warnings were received by those in the affected areas. The incident has highlighted the need for a more robust flood warning system, similar to a tornado warning system.
As the search and rescue efforts continue, volunteers and officials are working together to find missing people and provide support to those affected by the floods. The Mexican consulate in San Antonio is helping 30 Mexican people affected by the floods, and Nebraska is sending a 45-member search and rescue team to assist.
The community is coming together to support those affected, with donations and volunteers being directed to local groups. “Kendall County came together,” said Kendall County Judge Shane Stolarczyk. “Neighbors helped neighbors, strangers became rescuers.”
The United Nations has also expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and solidarity with those impacted. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the disaster struck “during what should have been a time of celebration over the holiday weekend.”
The situation remains dire, with more rain forecasted and the risk of further flooding still high in saturated parts of central Texas.
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, has confirmed the death of six nursing students in a road accident along the Ilorin–Ogbomoso highway.
In a statement issued on February 24, the institution’s Registrar, Olayinka Balogun, described the incident as a devastating blow to the university community. He noted that the students were on their way to sit for final examinations when the crash occurred.
According to information gathered from within the university, the victims had boarded a commercial vehicle in Suleja, Niger State, heading to Ogbomoso before the accident happened at Otte, Kwara State, on Sunday.
The university identified the deceased as Shehu Nana Firdawsi Hamza, Idris Jamila, Abdulraheem Maimunah Hamza, Blessing Kevwe, Owoicho Elizabeth, and Aroke Ozavize Victoria.
Balogun explained that the students were final-year undergraduates enrolled in the Open and Distance Learning Nursing programme.
“It is with profound sorrow that the management announces the passing of six of our beloved Open and Distance Learning Nursing students in a tragic motor accident along the Ilorin–Ogbomoso road on Sunday, February 22, 2026,” the statement read.
“The victims were travelling in a commercial bus from Suleja, Niger State, to the university to participate in their final examinations when the fatal crash occurred at Otte, Kwara State.
“This heartbreaking event has plunged our entire academic family into mourning. These students embodied determination and aspiration, and their loss is deeply felt across our institution.”
The management extended its condolences to the bereaved families and called on the public to offer prayers for the departed.
“We express our heartfelt sympathy to the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased. The university stands with them in this moment of overwhelming grief.
“As we mourn, we invite all well-meaning individuals to join us in praying for strength and comfort for those affected by this irreparable loss.
“May the lives of these young souls inspire us to embrace compassion, resilience, and unity in the face of tragedy,” the statement added.
The crash is the second such tragedy involving final-year students in Kwara State in less than a month.
Earlier on February 5, Kwara State University confirmed the death of Idris Agboluaje, a 400-level student, in an accident near Malete. The university’s Registrar, Dr Kikelomo Sallee, said the student was en route to campus for an examination when the incident happened.
Disaster/Tragedy
GOVERNOR FINTIRI’S COUSIN KILLED AS TERRORISTS STRIKE ADAMAWA COMMUNITY, DEATH TOLL HITS 27
At least 27 people have been confirmed dead following a coordinated assault by Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters on Shuwari Sholi community in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State in the early hours of Wednesday.
The attack, which lasted several hours, left the village head of Shuwari, Bademi Papka, among the deceased. Papka was identified as a cousin to Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri.
A witness who recounted the incident on condition of anonymity said the insurgents arrived on motorcycles and began firing indiscriminately at residents gathered near the village market and at the market square.
“They opened fire on a group of people seated under a tree close to the market,” the witness recounted.
The source explained that residents fled in different directions as gunfire rang out across the community.
“By the grace of God, some of us managed to escape unharmed, but many were gunned down as we ran toward the mountains for cover,” the witness added.
He further disclosed that soldiers stationed in the vicinity were alerted but arrived after the attackers had already fled.
“Things are relatively calm now, but fear and uncertainty remain. We urge the government to intensify efforts to end this recurring nightmare,” he said.
Confirming the development, former Chairman of Madagali Local Government, Maina Ularamu, acknowledged the attack but noted varying reports on casualty figures.
“Some accounts indicate around 20 deaths, while others put the toll higher. The accurate number will become clearer once the dust settles and people regain composure,” Ularamu stated.
Despite repeated assurances from security forces and government officials, many communities across northern Nigeria continue to grapple with persistent threats from armed groups operating with near impunity.
A major fire outbreak has destroyed several shops and properties worth millions of naira in the Opolo area of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday near the Rainoil Limited filling station, sending panic through the community .
The inferno, which specifically gutted the Opolo Furniture Market, swept through multiple shops and makeshift structures before officials of the Bayelsa State Fire Service arrived at the scene to bring the situation under control . Eyewitnesses reported that the blaze began at dawn and spread rapidly across sections of the market, triggering desperate attempts by traders to salvage their goods .
According to reports, the petrol filling station located adjacent to the affected area was untouched by the flames, a development residents described as a narrow escape from what could have been a far more catastrophic incident . Some families residing near the affected shops were reportedly displaced by the fire .
As of the time of filing this report, the cause of the fire had yet to be determined, and no casualties have been confirmed . However, losses running into millions of naira are feared as traders watched their sources of livelihood consumed by the flames .
Residents have called on the state government to take urgent preventive measures and strengthen fire safety protocols around major markets, particularly those situated near fuel stations, to prevent a recurrence of such incidents .