Disaster/Tragedy
DEADLY TORNADOES AND WILDFIRES WREAK HAVOC ACROSS US, LEAVING AT LEAST 32 DEAD
A massive storm system brought widespread destruction and loss of life to parts of the US, with violent tornadoes ripping through several states and wildfires burning out of control. The death toll has risen to at least 32, with more severe weather expected.
In Missouri, scattered twisters overnight killed at least 12 people, authorities said. Coroner Jim Akers of Butler County described the scene of one of the tornadoes, saying, “It was unrecognizable as a home. Just a debris field… The floor was upside down. We were walking on walls.”
Dakota Henderson, who helped rescue people trapped in their homes, said, “It was a very rough deal last night… It’s really disturbing for what happened to the people, the casualties last night.”
In Mississippi, Gov. Tate Reeves announced that six people died in three counties and three more people were missing. There were 29 injuries across the state, he added.
The National Weather Service issued blizzard warnings for parts of far western Minnesota and far eastern South Dakota, with snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches expected. Winds gusting to 60 mph were expected to cause whiteout conditions.
Evacuations were ordered in some Oklahoma communities as more than 130 fires were reported across the state, and nearly 300 homes were damaged or destroyed. Gov. Kevin Stitt said at a news conference that some 266 square miles burned in the state.
Bailey Dillon, who witnessed a massive twister in Tylertown, Mississippi, said, “The amount of damage was catastrophic… It was a large amount of cabins, RVs, campers that were just flipped over — everything was destroyed.”
The Storm Prediction Center said significant tornadoes continued to hit Saturday, with the region at highest risk stretching from eastern Louisiana and Mississippi through Alabama, western Georgia, and the Florida panhandle.
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 .