The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned of possible heavy rainfall in the coming days in some states in the north.
The agency explained that the rainfall may lead to flash floods and so residents should stay indoors.
A statement yesterday by the GM of Public Relations, Muntari Ibrahim, said: “Following observed thundercloud activities in the northeastern part of the country, NiMet has alerted the public on possible heavy rainfall in the coming days in some states in the northern part of the country.
“Thunderstorm cells are currently observed over Borno, Taraba, Gombe, Bauchi, and Kano states. These are expected to propagate westward to give squally thunderstorms to some cities.”
The statement added that the current thunderstorm cells are expected to propagate easterly to give thunderstorms accompanied by squall to cities in Plateau, FCT, Nasarawa, Jigawa, Adamawa, Yobe, Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, and Katsina states in the next two to six hours.
It noted that in areas where thunderstorms are expected, strong winds may precede the rains, which could cause trees, electric poles, unsecured objects, and weak buildings to fall. It advised those living in those areas to be cautious and stay in-door, especially during heavy rainfall, to avoid being struck by lightning.
It also noted that moderate to heavy rainfall could lead to flash floods, hence the public is advised to take necessary caution. It also advised airline operators to avail themselves of weather reports periodically from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.
![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-450x300.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")
