Islamist militants from Nigeria's Boko Haram have reportedly killed 48 people in an attack on fish sellers near the border with Chad.
A fish traders' group said some victims had their throats slit whilst others were tied up and drowned in Lake Chad.
The attack took place on Thursday, but the news took several days to come to light because Boko Haram has destroyed mobile phone masts in the area.
It was the second major attack in two days by Boko Haram.
In Thursday's attack, the traders were on their way to Chad to buy fish when militants blocked their path near the village of Doron Baga, some 180km (112 miles) north of Maiduguri in Borno state.
Abubakar Gamandi, the head of the fish sellers' association, said the militants had used no guns.
"The attackers killed their victims silently without the use of the gun to avoid attracting attention from the multi-national troops," he told AFP news agency.
Troops from Nigeria, Chad and Niger have been deployed to the area and have a base at Doron Baga, but the military task force has had little impact, says the BBC's Will Ross in Lagos.
On Wednesday, Boko Haram gunmen attacked the village of Azaya Kura, also in Borno state, killing at least 45 people.
In this attack too, victims' hands were tied behind their backs and their throats were slit. The attack was apparently aimed at punishing the community after four insurgents were pointed out to soldiers and were shot dead.
Boko Haram has been waging an insurgency in Nigeria since 2009.
It has stepped up attacks against civilian targets since the Nigerian military launched an offensive against the group last year.
BBC
Monday, November 24, 2014
Friday, November 21, 2014
China to build $12 billion railway system in Nigeria
A state-owned Chinese company has signed a $12 billion agreement to build a railway along Nigeria’s coast that it billed as China’s single largest overseas contract, yesterday.
China Railway Construction Corp. Ltd. (CRCC) signed the official construction contract with the Nigerian government on Wednesday in Abuja.
The Nigerian railway will stretch for 1,402 kilometres (871 miles) along the coast, linking Lagos, the financial capital of Africa’s largest economy and leading oil producer, and Calabar in the east, according to the report.
The $11.97 billion deal marks China’s largest single overseas contract project so far, it said, citing CRCC.
The news came two weeks after Mexico cancelled a $3.75 billion bullet train deal only days after it was signed with a Chinese-led consortium headed by CRCC — the sole bidder — reportedly due to concerns about transparency.
CRCC chairman Meng Fengchao said the Nigeria project will adopt Chinese technological standards and lead to $4 billion-worth of Chinese exports of construction machinery, trains, steel products and other equipment, Xinhua said.
It will create up to 200,000 local jobs during the construction and a further 30,000 positions once the line is operational, he said.
“It is a mutually beneficial project,” Meng was quoted by Xinhua as saying.
Trains will travel at a maximum speed of 120 kilometres per hour on the link, the report added.
China has dramatically stepped up its presence on the African continent in recent decades as it seeks more resources and new markets for its economy. Trade between China and Nigeria totalled $13.6 billion last year.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang promised more investment and more Chinese technical expertise during a visit earlier this year.
Leadership
Related stories: Nigerian government signs $1.49 billion construction deal with China
Nigerians suffering in Chinese prisons
China Railway Construction Corp. Ltd. (CRCC) signed the official construction contract with the Nigerian government on Wednesday in Abuja.
The Nigerian railway will stretch for 1,402 kilometres (871 miles) along the coast, linking Lagos, the financial capital of Africa’s largest economy and leading oil producer, and Calabar in the east, according to the report.
The $11.97 billion deal marks China’s largest single overseas contract project so far, it said, citing CRCC.
The news came two weeks after Mexico cancelled a $3.75 billion bullet train deal only days after it was signed with a Chinese-led consortium headed by CRCC — the sole bidder — reportedly due to concerns about transparency.
CRCC chairman Meng Fengchao said the Nigeria project will adopt Chinese technological standards and lead to $4 billion-worth of Chinese exports of construction machinery, trains, steel products and other equipment, Xinhua said.
It will create up to 200,000 local jobs during the construction and a further 30,000 positions once the line is operational, he said.
“It is a mutually beneficial project,” Meng was quoted by Xinhua as saying.
Trains will travel at a maximum speed of 120 kilometres per hour on the link, the report added.
China has dramatically stepped up its presence on the African continent in recent decades as it seeks more resources and new markets for its economy. Trade between China and Nigeria totalled $13.6 billion last year.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang promised more investment and more Chinese technical expertise during a visit earlier this year.
Leadership
Related stories: Nigerian government signs $1.49 billion construction deal with China
Nigerians suffering in Chinese prisons
Boko Haram attack leave 45 people dead
The leader of a vigilante fighter group in Nigeria says Boko Haram militants have killed about 45 people in an attack on a village.
Muhammed Gava of the Nigeria Vigilante Group said the assault occurred Wednesday in Azaya Kura village in northeastern Nigeria's Borno state. He told The Associated Press on Thursday that the heavily armed Boko Haram militants surged through the village in several trucks, destroying houses and carting away food and livestock.
Shettima Lawan, a local politician, mourned the attack, telling the AP: "I am still searching for motives behind the mass killing and destruction."
The village is about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Maiduguri, the capital of Borno. The state has been hit the hardest by Boko Haram's five-year insurgency.
The militants continue to pursue their aim to carve out an "Islamic caliphate" under their black and white flag. Last week, Boko Haram fighters captured Chibok town, where more than 200 schoolgirls were kidnapped six months ago. Nigeria's army recaptured Chibok on Saturday.
At least 1.5 million people have fled their homes since Nigeria declared a state of emergency in May 2013, according to U.N. figures.
AP
Related stories: Boko Haram captures more territory in Adamawa as Nigerian forces flee
Nigerian military take back Chibok from Boko Haram
Muhammed Gava of the Nigeria Vigilante Group said the assault occurred Wednesday in Azaya Kura village in northeastern Nigeria's Borno state. He told The Associated Press on Thursday that the heavily armed Boko Haram militants surged through the village in several trucks, destroying houses and carting away food and livestock.
Shettima Lawan, a local politician, mourned the attack, telling the AP: "I am still searching for motives behind the mass killing and destruction."
The village is about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Maiduguri, the capital of Borno. The state has been hit the hardest by Boko Haram's five-year insurgency.
The militants continue to pursue their aim to carve out an "Islamic caliphate" under their black and white flag. Last week, Boko Haram fighters captured Chibok town, where more than 200 schoolgirls were kidnapped six months ago. Nigeria's army recaptured Chibok on Saturday.
At least 1.5 million people have fled their homes since Nigeria declared a state of emergency in May 2013, according to U.N. figures.
AP
Related stories: Boko Haram captures more territory in Adamawa as Nigerian forces flee
Nigerian military take back Chibok from Boko Haram
Police break up scuffle in Nigerian parliament
Nigerian security forces have fired tear gas inside parliament, just before a crucial debate on security in the conflict-ridden north-east.
Reports say the police were trying to stop House of Representatives speaker Aminu Tambuwal from entering.
Mr Tambuwal defected to the opposition from the ruling PDP last month. His former colleagues have since argued he should be stripped of his speaker role.
Senate leader David Mark ordered both chambers to close until next week.
Political tensions are high in Nigeria, ahead of general elections next year.
It is a coincidence that this row happened on a day when an important bill was to be debated by the lawmakers.
After the defection of the speaker of the House of Representatives from the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) to the opposition, PDP members have publicly called for his impeachment.
Lawmakers from the ruling party even tried to recall the House from its recess, but the courts decided that only the speaker is constitutionally empowered to do so.
Last month the Nigerian police withdrew the security aides attached to Aminu Tambuwal after his defection, saying he ceased to be the speaker of the house.
Nigerian police are notorious for being partisan and actively support the wishes of whoever is in power.
If Mr Tambuwal had been absent from Thursday's crucial sitting, PDP lawmakers could have impeached him and proceeded to approve the extension of the state of emergency with little opposition.
Mr Tambuwal's defection is a further blow to President Goodluck Jonathan, who is seeking re-election in February.
Mr Tambuwal adjourned the House shortly after he defected in late October, apparently to ensure he could not be unseated by PDP representatives.
Thursday was the first full session of the House since his defection.
Parliamentarians were due to debate a presidential bill seeking the extension of the state of emergency in three states hardest hit by the militant group Boko Haram.
BBC Hausa editor Mansur Liman says many opposition MPs opposed the extension of the state of emergency because they say it has failed to bring an end to the insurgency.
Witnesses said security agents attempted to block Mr Tambuwal as he arrived at parliament, and also locked out other opposition politicians.
Images showed suited politicians scaling the gates outside of the assembly building.
Agents then fired tear gas, which filled the lobby for several minutes.
Mr Tambuwal reportedly managed to get into the assembly building only after other politicians scuffled with security agents.
BBC
Reports say the police were trying to stop House of Representatives speaker Aminu Tambuwal from entering.
Mr Tambuwal defected to the opposition from the ruling PDP last month. His former colleagues have since argued he should be stripped of his speaker role.
Senate leader David Mark ordered both chambers to close until next week.
Political tensions are high in Nigeria, ahead of general elections next year.
It is a coincidence that this row happened on a day when an important bill was to be debated by the lawmakers.
After the defection of the speaker of the House of Representatives from the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) to the opposition, PDP members have publicly called for his impeachment.
Lawmakers from the ruling party even tried to recall the House from its recess, but the courts decided that only the speaker is constitutionally empowered to do so.
Last month the Nigerian police withdrew the security aides attached to Aminu Tambuwal after his defection, saying he ceased to be the speaker of the house.
Nigerian police are notorious for being partisan and actively support the wishes of whoever is in power.
If Mr Tambuwal had been absent from Thursday's crucial sitting, PDP lawmakers could have impeached him and proceeded to approve the extension of the state of emergency with little opposition.
Mr Tambuwal's defection is a further blow to President Goodluck Jonathan, who is seeking re-election in February.
Mr Tambuwal adjourned the House shortly after he defected in late October, apparently to ensure he could not be unseated by PDP representatives.
Thursday was the first full session of the House since his defection.
Parliamentarians were due to debate a presidential bill seeking the extension of the state of emergency in three states hardest hit by the militant group Boko Haram.
BBC Hausa editor Mansur Liman says many opposition MPs opposed the extension of the state of emergency because they say it has failed to bring an end to the insurgency.
Witnesses said security agents attempted to block Mr Tambuwal as he arrived at parliament, and also locked out other opposition politicians.
Images showed suited politicians scaling the gates outside of the assembly building.
Agents then fired tear gas, which filled the lobby for several minutes.
Mr Tambuwal reportedly managed to get into the assembly building only after other politicians scuffled with security agents.
BBC
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Nigeria Football Federation accepts blame for Super Eagles failure to qualify for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has said it accepts the blame for the Super Eagles' failure to qualify for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea.
The African champions finished third in Group A following Wednesday's 2-2 draw with visiting South Africa in Uyo.
NFF president Amaju Pinnick said it was a time for sober reflection rather than looking for scapegoats.
"The NFF takes full responsibility for what has happened," he said.
"It is a tragedy for us to come so near and yet fail to reach the finals."
Nigeria suffered a troubled qualification campaign where they not only struggled with form on the pitch but also were affected by deep divisions in the NFF, while coach Stephen Keshi was in and out of the job.
Yet the team's victory over Congo on Saturday put their fate in their own hands and a win against already-qualified South Africa at home would have sealed their place in the finals.
"We made so much effort and sacrifice in Congo to achieve the victory we needed there on Saturday and really had no business bungling it here," added Pinnick.
"However, our commitment is to build a sustainable football culture in the country and nothing has changed.
"This is a disappointment but for us, we gave it our best shot and supported the team fully."
Pinnick, who had sanctioned the appointment of a foreign coach before a presidential order led to Keshi's return, said Wednesday's failure could turn out to be blessing in disguise.
"This has happened but we believe it will work together for us to toil hard and achieve a renaissance that will take Nigeria football to much higher heights than it has ever been," Pinnick's statement continued.
Under-fire caretaker coach Keshi admits his players underestimated the South Africans, who have never beaten Nigeria in a competitive fixture since 1993.
"Maybe we took South Africa for granted and we paid dearly for this." said Keshi.
Hull City striker Sone Aluko, who scored both of Nigeria's goals, said the whole team was devastated.
"I am disappointed, everybody is disappointed," he said. "We did not get the result we wanted and we now have to pick ourselves up as a team."
BBC
Related story: Nigeria fails to qualify for Nations Cup
The African champions finished third in Group A following Wednesday's 2-2 draw with visiting South Africa in Uyo.
NFF president Amaju Pinnick said it was a time for sober reflection rather than looking for scapegoats.
"The NFF takes full responsibility for what has happened," he said.
"It is a tragedy for us to come so near and yet fail to reach the finals."
Nigeria suffered a troubled qualification campaign where they not only struggled with form on the pitch but also were affected by deep divisions in the NFF, while coach Stephen Keshi was in and out of the job.
Yet the team's victory over Congo on Saturday put their fate in their own hands and a win against already-qualified South Africa at home would have sealed their place in the finals.
"We made so much effort and sacrifice in Congo to achieve the victory we needed there on Saturday and really had no business bungling it here," added Pinnick.
"However, our commitment is to build a sustainable football culture in the country and nothing has changed.
"This is a disappointment but for us, we gave it our best shot and supported the team fully."
Pinnick, who had sanctioned the appointment of a foreign coach before a presidential order led to Keshi's return, said Wednesday's failure could turn out to be blessing in disguise.
"This has happened but we believe it will work together for us to toil hard and achieve a renaissance that will take Nigeria football to much higher heights than it has ever been," Pinnick's statement continued.
Under-fire caretaker coach Keshi admits his players underestimated the South Africans, who have never beaten Nigeria in a competitive fixture since 1993.
"Maybe we took South Africa for granted and we paid dearly for this." said Keshi.
Hull City striker Sone Aluko, who scored both of Nigeria's goals, said the whole team was devastated.
"I am disappointed, everybody is disappointed," he said. "We did not get the result we wanted and we now have to pick ourselves up as a team."
BBC
Related story: Nigeria fails to qualify for Nations Cup
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