More than 50 dead and dozens missing after Nigeria boat sinks

At least 54 bodies have now been recovered from Nigeria’s River Niger after a boat, that may have been carrying more than 200 passengers, capsized in the early hours of Friday, the authorities say.

Twenty-four of those on board were rescued, some of whom are still in hospital, but dozens of others may be missing.

Divers are still searching the waters but hope is fading on the possibility of finding more survivors.

This is just the latest in a long series of boat accidents on the country’s inland waterways. Despite safety recommendations being made, rules are rarely followed and few are held accountable.

The boat was travelling from Kogi state, central Nigeria, to a weekly market in neighbouring Niger state when it went down.

Market traders and farm labourers were thought to have been among the passengers.

The cause of the accident is not yet known but there are indications that many of the travellers may not have been wearing life jackets as required.

Getting accurate details about who exactly had boarded the boat is difficult because there was no record keeping, the local official in charge told the BBC.

“The problem is that there’s no passenger manifest and because of the time the accident occurred, giving an accurate account of persons, survivors and those missing, is very difficult,” Justin Uche, who is head of the Kogi state office of the National Emergency Management Agency said.

Meanwhile Kogi state’s governor Usman Ododo ordered all hospitals where survivors are receiving treatment to ensure that they get adequate care including food.

He also urged stricter enforcement of safety regulations to ensure that such incidents are avoided in future.

This is the third time a passenger boat has gone down in Nigeria in the last 60 days.

Last month, a wooden dugout canoe, packed with nearly 300 passengers, overturned and sank in the middle of the River Niger killing nearly 200 people.

Just last week, five people died when two boats collided in southern Nigeria’s Delta state.

By Chris Ewokor, BBC

Related story: Video - Nigerian government to phase out wooden boats to reduce waterway deaths

Nigeria boat accident leaves five dead, 20 missing

At least five people were killed and 20 others are missing after a speedboat struck a submerged log and capsized in Nigeria's southern state of Delta, a police spokesperson said on Tuesday.

The incident happened on Friday in the remote Gbaramatu Kingdom of the state's Warri South-West district.

Emergency responders are still conducting a search and rescue operation to find the 20 missing people. Six survivors are receiving treatment at a local hospital.

Reuters    

Related story: Video - Nigerian government to phase out wooden boats to reduce waterway deaths

At least 60 dead in Nigeria boat accident

 

 

Nigerians Are Switching Cars to Compressed Natural Gas After Petrol Prices Surge

Long queues of cars are a common sight at petrol stations across Nigeria, but for some drivers turning to compressed natural gas, pumps are becoming a thing of the past.

A fivefold increase in petrol prices since the rollback of fuel subsidies last year has convinced them to make the switch to CNG, which is much cheaper and far kinder to the environment.

At the NIPCO Plc station on the outskirts of Abuja, the capital, business is also brisk for retrofitting cars to run on compressed gas. It’s built a dedicated workshop, where mechanics install the cylinders and inject systems to make the switch.

“We are booked until the end of January at least,” said Chris Uche, the technician in charge. “There are so many cars waiting to be converted.”

The CNG shift reflects a push by Africa’s top oil producer to ease its reliance on crude by promoting investment in the country’s largely unexploited 200 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves, most of which are burned off or re-injected into wells.


Incentives are being offered to gas companies, tariffs and taxes have been waived on CNG equipment, taxis and other commercial drivers can get discounts, and a 10 billion naira ($6 million) credit facility has been set up for private car owners to take the plunge.

The “mission is to enhance Nigeria’s energy security, lower transportation costs, and reduce carbon emissions,” said Toyin Subair, vice-chairman of a presidential committee on CNG, which has set a goal of converting 1 million vehicles by 2027.

The country is on track to meet its initial goal for 100,000 commercial vehicles by end-2024, he said, “bringing substantial cost savings to transporters, reducing public transport fares for Nigerians, and advancing Nigeria’s clean energy objectives.”

While that’s a modest goal given Nigeria’s 12 million vehicles, and low when compared to Egypt’s 500,000 CNG cars, it signifies the nation’s clean energy ambitions.

The conversion involves installing a high-pressure gas tank and fuel lines, a pressure regulator and injectors. When CNG is injected into the engine, it is ignited by the car’s spark plugs, similar to how gasoline is burned in a conventional engine.

Vehicles driven for rideshare platforms Uber and Bolt, distinctive in their elderly Toyota Corollas, Honda Civics and Peugeot 206s, have been keen customers. Their cars are now being retrofitted to run on CNG that retails for 230 naira per liter, one fifth of the price of petrol. Some drivers have seen profits surge more than 400% a month.

“The only disadvantage it has cost me is the space in the boot. Passengers with luggage have proved to be an issue,” said Bolt driver Clement Sunday, whose gold-colored 2002 Peugeot 206 runs on both petrol and CNG. Also, it “doesn’t drive as fast because gas burns slowly, but the oil is cleaner, the smokes are gone. This is a cleaner option,” he said.

The bulky yellow gas cylinder in his boot takes up a third of the space but can power the car for 150 kilometers (93 miles) on a single 3,500 naira fill.

Sunday spent 800,000 naira to modify the car, an amount that was a third less than the starting price thanks to the government subsidy, and says he has since recovered the investment in full.

While such drivers are just discovering the appeal of CNG, it’s been used in the trucking industry for years, including by billionaire Aliko Dangote. His tanker fleet has been retrofitted to make the 700 kilometer journey between Abuja and the commercial hub Lagos, where his oil refinery is located.

Nigeria hopes that a combination of Dangote’s refinery and the push into CNG will help end its costly need to import refined petroleum. That’s paid for in dollars, straining the country’s foreign exchange reserves and weakening the naira.

Despite the incentives, the promotion of CNG remains a work in progress.

Gas is produced in southern Nigeria by oil majors including Shell Plc and TotalEnergies SE, and is distributed to filling stations nationwide. But outside big cities, CNG use is low and even finding a station that sells it in Lagos or Abuja can he hard.

“We have to drive for two three hours to find a station, and as more cars are converted, the queues have lengthened,” said Sunday.

Also, other than the state-owned oil company and its partners like NIPCO, most gas distribution firms are staying away, describing the retail cost of CNG for cars as currently unprofitable because of price regulation.

Subsidy Substitution

“It is like replacing one subsidy with another, but we see the market settling at 50% - 60% of the price of petrol and diesel,” said Sumeet Singh, the chief executive officer of Powergas Africa Ltd, who prefers to sell CNG to factories and other industrial users where the price is unregulated.

The government says there are more than 90 conversion centers nationwide, with $450 million earmarked for investment in CNG infrastructure. Another 88 smaller stations are in development and mobile units to refuel up to 40 vehicles per hour are planned.

But the biggest hurdle to embracing the hybrid cars is probably safety concerns over driving with a gas cylinder on board. Unlike petrol, CNG reacts to temperature and risks exploding if not handled properly.

Its image wasn’t helped by a recent incident in the southern city of Benin when a car exploded while being filled up, injuring three people. The government, pushing back on what it claimed was misinformation on social media, said the accident was caused by an illegally-modified vehicle.

By Nduka Orjinmo and Ruth Olurounbi, Bloomberg 

Related story: Video - Nigerian drivers face hurdles in the transition to natural gas-powered vehicles

Video - Nigerian government to phase out wooden boats to reduce waterway deaths

The wooden vessels make up 90 percent of all the boats, and account for the majority of fatal accidents that have claimed thousands of lives over the years. However, safety experts said the government also needs to strengthen its safety measures campaign, such as requiring passengers to wear life jackets and enforcing a ban on night travel and overloading of boats.

CGTN 

Related stories: At least 60 dead in Nigeria boat accident

At least 20 feared dead in Nigeria boat accident

 

Nigerian drivers face hurdles in the transition to natural gas-powered vehicles

Nigerian authorities plan to convert 1 million gasoline-engine vehicles to run on cheaper, cleaner compressed natural gas, or CNG, by the year 2027. Nigeria has some of the largest gas reserves in the world. But with only a few CNG filling stations available in the country, many who have converted the vehicles are facing a new challenge. Timothy Obiezu reports from Abuja.

VOA

Video - Nigeria's Tinubu calls for review of safety protocols after oil tanker explosion

Authorities in Nigeria have launched an investigation into an oil tanker explosion in northern Jigawa state, which claimed the lives of more than 140 people. President Bola Tinubu has pledged support for the victims' families and has called for a review of fuel transportation safety protocols.

CGTN

Related story: Death Toll rises to 153 from Nigeria fuel tanker explosion

 

Death Toll rises to 153 from Nigeria fuel tanker explosion

The death toll from a fuel tanker explosion in northern Nigeria has risen to at least 153, with another 100 people injured, police told CNN Thursday.

The blast, which happened late evening local time on Tuesday in Majiya, a village in Jigawa state, came after the vehicle crashed and while locals were attempting to retrieve the fuel.

“The driver lost control and the tanker somersaulted and spilled fuel into a drainage ditch,” Jigawa police spokesperson Shiisu Lawan Adam said.

“As a result, residents rushed to scoop the fuel when the explosion happened.”

A mass burial was held on Wednesday afternoon for some of the victims, Adam said.

The death toll rose steadily since news of the deadly explosion broke.

“People are feeling very sad,” said Umar Majia, a member of the community whose 12-year-old nephew was killed in the blast.

“This type of incident has never happened in the community. It is the worst tragedy so far,” he told CNN.

Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima mourned the victims in a statement Wednesday, saying: “My heart aches for those who have had their families torn apart by this disaster.

“This devastating incident has shaken us all to our core. The Federal Government stands with the people of Jigawa. We are mobilising all necessary resources to support the injured and assist the families affected by this calamity.”

Shettima also announced “immediate federal government intervention and called for a comprehensive review of fuel transportation safety protocols.”

The blast comes a month after at least 48 people were killed in a similar accident in the north-central Niger state.

Fuel tanker explosions are not unusual in Africa’s most populous country, where oil supplies are frequently dispatched by road.

Previous fires have led to multiple casualties. In 2020, more than 500 people lost their lives in more than 1,500 fuel tanker accidents recorded that year, according to Nigeria’s road safety agency.

Residents, beleaguered by soaring living costs in the West African nation - where gasoline is scarce and expensive - often brave danger to scoop fuel from fallen tankers or damaged oil pipelines.

Gas prices have risen dramatically to more than six times their usual rate since the government ended fuel subsidies last year.

Poverty remains rife in Nigeria despite its status as one of Africa’s largest oil producers.

By Nimi Princewill, CNN

Related story: Nigeria fuel tanker explosion kills over 90, injures dozens

Nigeria fuel tanker explosion kills over 90, injures dozens

More than 90 people have been killed and 50 wounded after a fuel tanker exploded in northwestern Nigeria, according to police.

The overnight explosion took place on an expressway in Jigawa state as dozens of people rushed to the vehicle to collect the fuel, a police spokesman said on Wednesday.

“The residents were scooping up fuel from the overturned tanker when the explosion occurred, sparking a massive inferno that killed 94 people on the spot,” Lawan Adamu told The Associated Press news agency.

The fire burned into the early hours of Wednesday.

Last month, at least 48 people were killed in an explosion after a fuel tanker collided with another truck in Nigeria’s north-central Niger state.

Deadly truck accidents are common along most of the major roads in Nigeria, with experts attributing many of them to reckless driving, poor road conditions and poorly maintained vehicles.

In 2020 alone, there were 1,531 petrol tanker crashes resulting in 535 fatalities and 1,142 injuries, according to Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company in early September increased the price of petrol by at least 39 percent, the second major hike in more than a year.

Al Jazeera

Related story: More than 50 killed in Nigeria fuel tanker crash

Video - Lagos Rail Mass Transit set to open second metro line

The Red line is the second Chinese-built metro rail in the city, connecting the communities of Agbado and Oyingbo. Officials hope the Chinese-built network can address the challenges of traffic congestion and commuting delays that have long plagued the nation.

CGTN

States in Nigeria With Highest ‘Okada’ Fares

In March 2024, the average fare for Okada transportation per drop in Nigeria saw a modest year-on-year increase of 2.15%, reaching N472.16, up from N462.21 recorded in March 2023.

However, the fares in Lagos, Ondo, and Taraba states were significantly higher than the national average during the same month.

Lagos led with N850 per journey, followed by Ondo at N725, and Taraba at N670, highlighting regional disparities in transportation costs.

These are according to the latest National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Transport Fare Watch report for March 2024, as published on the website of the data agency.

Leadership

At least 60 dead in Nigeria boat accident

Nigeria (Reuters) -At least 60 people were killed after a boat carrying mostly women and children returning from a religious festival in Nigeria's northern Niger state capsized this week, a local official said.

About 160 people have now been rescued after the wooden boat ferrying nearly 300 passengers sank on Tuesday night on the River Niger around the Gbajibo Community, said Jibril Abdullahi Muregi, chairman of the Mokwa local government area.

The boat was returning to Gbajibo from Mundi after the annual Maulud celebration when disaster struck, Muregi said in a statement late on Wednesday

Rescue operations are still ongoing, he said.

It was not yet clear why the boat sank.

Overcrowding and poor maintenance are responsible for most boat accidents on Nigerian waterways.

By Ahmed Kingimi, Reuters

Related story: At least 20 feared dead in Nigeria boat accident

 

Chinese-built metro rail offers exciting, comfortable ride in Abuja, Nigeria

Feeling the gentle hum of the train beneath him, James Anowai, a content creator and YouTuber, was buzzing with excitement as he settled into his seat on the revitalized Abuja Rail Mass Transit (ARMT) in the Nigerian capital, recently.

For Anowai, whose enthusiasm was palpable, this ride was not only his first-ever train experience or journey from one station to another but also an opportunity to share something new and exciting with his followers about the Abuja light rail built by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, a Chinese multinational construction giant.

"Everybody is relaxed. It is very smooth, clean, and, actually, a nice experience. It is something I want to do again, over and over again," he told Xinhua in an interview, capturing the moment on his camera phone clipped to a tripod.

Since its relaunch for commercial operation about a week ago, talks about the ARMT have been making the rounds, with local media abuzz with the prospect of the light rail system in the fast-developing Nigerian capital city.

With the sleek, air-conditioned new trains and well-secured stations symbolizing a step forward in urban commuting and providing a much-needed reprieve from the city's traffic congestion, the now invigorated service aims to serve as a beacon of hope amid the economic challenges faced by many in Nigeria's capital.

During the recent flag-off for commercial operation on May 29, President Bola Tinubu announced that rides on the new metro system would be free until the end of the year -- a move expected to encourage residents to embrace this new mode of transport and ease their economic burdens.

Tinubu, who took a ride on the train together with other top officials, described the operations on the Abuja metro line as "a symbolic milestone of enduring progress as a country and in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)," noting it came about as "a fruit of collaboration, dedication, progress, and foresightedness."

"The Abuja Metro was inherited by my administration, from my predecessor. It was first commissioned in 2018 for public use," he said, adding his administration prioritized its revitalization as part of a desire to have a functional and flourishing FCT with efficient public infrastructure and transportation systems that will serve the people who live and work within the city and the surrounding communities.

The completed 45-km Lot A1 and Lot 3 of the light rail, with a total length of 290 km offering intra-city shuttle service and connecting Abuja's satellite towns to metropolitan transport, are part of the Abuja rail mass transit project designed to have an interface with the national line at two points, where there would be interchanges to join the rail line linking the northern part of Nigeria.

It covers 12 stations, 21 operational offices, 13 bridges, 50 culverts, and nine pedestrian overpasses. The construction of the light rail and its use is expected to open up new towns and boost economic activities along the corridor of Gwagwa, Kalgoni, Dei-Dei, Kubwa, Kukwaba, Dasonga, Asa, among 12 satellite towns in the Nigerian capital of Abuja.

For many passengers, the free ride period has been a much-appreciated relief. Miriam Akpan, a civil servant, expressed her satisfaction with the light rail service, saying: "It is a fantastic initiative."

"The train is comfortable, and the stations are well-maintained. Now, I can save a lot on transport costs going from my house to the office, and with the satisfaction that this is faster than being stuck in traffic at resumption and closing time," she said.

Naomi Oboi, a communications specialist, said she had "a very impressive" experience while using the train from the iconic Abuja Metro Station to the Airport Station, which covers a distance of 28 km, to complete an official assignment. Having used the light rail in Lagos, the country's economic hub, and metro trains in other parts of the world, she said her experience, from the zero-delay boarding to "every single thing" she saw during the travel time on ARMT was without much difference from her previous experiences.

"This is something that, especially with the increase in fuel prices in recent times, would really go a long way to help the average Nigerian, just like me, to make the transportation system very easy and better for us," Oboi said. "This is quality. This is very good, solid. I would say that I did not expect the train in Nigeria to be this solid, to be honest."

"Abuja could benefit from expansion plans," Mustapha Bello, a student at the University of Abuja, told Xinhua, noting that "as the city's residents adapt to this new system, the hope is that it will not only alleviate daily commuting woes but also contribute to the overall economic and social well-being of the Nigerian capital."

Reflecting on his "very unforgettable journey," Anowai expressed his hopes for the future of the rail service, wishing to have the light rail fully extended to Kuje, a low-income suburb of Abuja, where he lives, and works in the city center.

"It is just a smooth ride. I do not need to use public transport or drive my vehicle to this location. It has been a nice journey. This is more than an easy life," he added while adjusting his camera phone and tripod for his next content piece around the metro.

Chinese-made electric multiple unit (EMU) trains are seen at a depot in Abuja, Nigeria, on May 28, 2024. Since its relaunch for commercial operation about a week ago, talks about the Abuja Rail Mass Transit (ARMT) have been making the rounds, with local media abuzz with the prospect of the light rail system in the fast-developing Nigerian capital city. (Xinhua/Yang Zhe)

Chinese-made electric multiple unit (EMU) trains run on the metro rail track in Abuja, Nigeria, on May 23, 2024. Since its relaunch for commercial operation about a week ago, talks about the Abuja Rail Mass Transit (ARMT) have been making the rounds, with local media abuzz with the prospect of the light rail system in the fast-developing Nigerian capital city.

Staff members of the Abuja metro rail operation pose for a group photo in a carriage in Abuja, Nigeria, on May 29, 2024. Since its relaunch for commercial operation about a week ago, talks about the Abuja Rail Mass Transit (ARMT) have been making the rounds, with local media abuzz with the prospect of the light rail system in the fast-developing Nigerian capital city.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu (2nd R, Front) prepares to ride the Abuja metro in Abuja, Nigeria, on May 29, 2024. Since its relaunch for commercial operation about a week ago, talks about the Abuja Rail Mass Transit (ARMT) have been making the rounds, with local media abuzz with the prospect of the light rail system in the fast-developing Nigerian capital city.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu (C) speaks at the commercial operation ceremony of the Abuja metro rail in Abuja, Nigeria, on May 29, 2024. Since its relaunch for commercial operation about a week ago, talks about the Abuja Rail Mass Transit (ARMT) have been making the rounds, with local media abuzz with the prospect of the light rail system in the fast-developing Nigerian capital city.

Chinese-made electric multiple unit (EMU) trains are seen at a depot in Abuja, Nigeria, on May 28, 2024. Since its relaunch for commercial operation about a week ago, talks about the Abuja Rail Mass Transit (ARMT) have been making the rounds, with local media abuzz with the prospect of the light rail system in the fast-developing Nigerian capital city. 

By Olatunji Saliu, Xinhua 

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Police uncover gang targeting, killing Uber drivers in Nigeria

The Police Command in Rivers has arrested some members of a criminal gang suspected to be murdering car-hire drivers and stealing their vehicles.

Grace Iringe-Koko, the command’s spokesperson, in a statement in Port Harcourt on Monday, linked the group to multiple cases of drivers that got missing.

She revealed that the arrest of one gang member, Anthony Chima, exposed the sinister activities of the gang in the state.

She stated: “The discovery of this criminal enterprise targeting Uber drivers in the state followed the disappearance of one Oghenevwarhe Barry Akpobome, an Uber driver.

“Upon investigating the disappearance, police operatives arrested one Anthony Chima, a 35-year-old graduate of Political Science from the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt.

“Under interrogation, Chima confessed to being recruited into a gang that specialised in luring taxi drivers into ambushes and stealing their vehicles,” she stated.

Ms Iringe-Koko said that Mr Chima’s testimony showed the gang’s further gruesome actions of killing the drivers and harvesting their body parts for ritualistic purposes.

“The suspect said that he was introduced into the gang by his friend, Amfoh Abu, the group’s arms dealer, and another individual simply identified as ‘Reason.’

“Investigation further revealed that ‘General Effizy,’ the gang’s leader, is a prominent figure in the Greenland cult and a seasoned kidnapper in the state,” she added.

The police spokesperson said that Mr Chima confessed that he randomly obtained the Uber drivers’ phone numbers and pretended to be a passenger in need of a ride.

She said that on 10 January, Mr Chima contacted Mr Akpobome and directed the driver to pick him up at Reason’s residence.

“Disguised as a passenger, Chima lured the unsuspecting Uber driver to a remote area in Aminigboko, where he met Reason and General Effizy along with four-armed gang members.

“The driver was forcefully removed from the vehicle and taken to Effizy’s shrine, where he was tied up, gagged and gruesomely murdered.

“Chima later led the police to the shrine and Effizy’s residence, where personnel recovered the victim’s skull and a locally fabricated Baretta pistol,” she said.

Ms Iringe-Koko said that a manhunt had been launched to capture the fleeing gang members, stating that Chima would face legal action.

She said that the Commissioner of Police in Rivers, Tunji Disu, has advised Uber drivers to be cautious while picking up or transporting passengers, particularly to remote or potentially dangerous areas.

“The Akpobome incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk in the shadows, and the importance of vigilance and cooperation with the law enforcement agencies,” the police image maker said.

Premium Times

Taxi system fueled by electric vehicles in Nigeria

As climate change wreaks havoc around the world, the need for sustainable solutions grows more urgent. In Nigeria, a private company recently introduced an Uber-style taxi system made of approximately 200 electric vehicles. The company says the fleet is a step toward a greener future. Gibson Emeka reports from Abuja, Nigeria. Amy Reifenrath narrates.

By Gibson Emeka, VOA 

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Video - Nigeria spends millions on motorcycle imports

Nigeria's government spent 145 million U.S. dollars on motorcycle imports in the second half of 2023, a 159 percent increase from 2023.

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The eco-entrepreneur sparking the electric vehicle revolution in Nigeria

Mustapha Gajibo is driving change in Nigeria with his groundbreaking company, African Motor Works. The entrepreneur is transforming Nigeria's transportation sector while focusing on affordability and sustainability.

"Our main reasons for building electric vehicles are the high cost of mobility, cost of energy and carbon emissions," Mustapha Gajibo, Founder and CEO of African Motor Works, tells SCENES.

The young business owner's interest in electrifying Nigeria's transport options was sparked by the constant problems with the country's electricity supply.

"We spent weeks, sometimes months, even up to a year without electricity. So that has really motivated me to come up with this company," explains Mustapha.

The start-up company manufactures 200 vehicles monthly and produces mass transit vehicles such as large buses, minibuses and tricycles. Each vehicle has a simple battery-swapping system and can be fully charged in less than 40 minutes.

African Motor Works employs 24 workers and plans to expand its workforce. According to the electric vehicle creator, building a solid team is the key to his company's success.

"I don't call them staff. I call them family. Whatever glory we achieve, we achieve together," says Mustapha.

The reputation of African Motor Works is gaining momentum in Nigeria, and Mustafa hopes his venture will inspire other manufacturers across Africa. He dreams of one day seeing his African vehicles driving through the streets of New York, Beijing and other cities worldwide.

By Gregory Ward & Hillary Ebele Nnoruka, EuroNews

Related story: Video - Nigerian engineering students build electric car

Nigerian woman gives birth at Lagos' Onipanu Bus Stop

 A Nigerian woman has given birth at a bus stop in the main city of Lagos to the jubilation of a crowd that had gathered nearby.

The unnamed woman was waiting to board a bus at the Onipanu Bus Stop when she unexpectedly went into labour on Monday, the emergency services said.

Female market traders helped her to a quiet spot, while first responders rushed to the scene.

She gave birth to a "bouncing" baby boy, the emergency services added.

The mother and child were then taken to hospital, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (Lamesa) added.

No further details have been released about them, but Nigerians on social media have been posting congratulatory messages - and suggesting names for the newborn.

Facebook user Sunday Ogunsola suggested that the baby should be called Abiona, a Yoruba name which roughly translates to "born during a journey".

The name would highlight the idea that the child was like an explorer, ready for a lifetime of adventures.

Another person on Facebook commented that the woman had saved on hospital bills by giving birth at a bus stop.

By Mansur Abubakar, BBC

Eight dead, several missing after ferry capsizes in Nigeria

At least eight people were confirmed dead and many were missing after a wooden ferry carrying 100 people capsized in northwest Nigeria, local emergency services said on Tuesday.

The accident happened on Monday in Niger state as residents of Dugga village were travelling to a market in neighbouring Kebbi State to sell grain and sugar cane.

Boat accidents are common on Nigerian waterways, and are often blamed on overcrowding and poor maintenance.

Ibrahim Hussaini, spokesperson for Niger State Emergency Management Agency, said a sudden change in wind direction sank the overcrowded boat.

Eight bodies were recovered and five people were rescued but many others were missing, added Hussaini.

By Ahmed Kingimi, Reuters

Related stories: At least 20 feared dead in Nigeria boat accident

Boat carrying 20 fishermen capsizes in Nigeria

Video - 17 bodies recovered after boat capsizes in eastern Nigeria

 

 

 

At least 20 feared dead in Nigeria boat accident

At least 20 people are feared dead in an accident involving two passenger boats travelling from Andoni to Bonny island in Nigeria's coastal Rivers State, local officials said on Wednesday, the first such accident to hit the region this year.

Erastus Awortu, chairman of Andoni local government area, said the incident occurred on Tuesday night along the Andoni waterways.

"When we learned of the tragic development, we immediately dispatched our team to join the first responders on a rescue mission at the scene of the incident," Awortu said in a statement, without providing further details about survivors.

Overcrowding and poor maintenance are responsible for most boat accidents on Nigerian waterways.

Last year, almost 200 people died in boat accidents across Nigeria. One such disaster in June killed more than 100 after an overloaded boat capsized in the north-central Niger State.

Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara, in a statement, expressed condolences to the affected families and pledged to "ensure that such threats against safe traveling on our sea routes are tackled."

By Ahmed Kingimi, Reuters

Related stories: Boat carrying 20 fishermen capsizes in Nigeria

Video - 17 bodies recovered after boat capsizes in eastern Nigeria

Video - Search ends, recovery efforts intensify after tragic boat accident in Nigeria

Video - 17 bodies recovered after boat capsizes in eastern Nigeria

At least 17 bodies have been recovered after a passenger boat capsized in Nigeria's eastern state of Taraba on Saturday.

CGTN

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