The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Thursday said 355 Nigerians were involved in the Mina Stampede, out of whom 99 were confirmed dead.
More than 769 pilgrims from across the world died and 1000 others injured in the Sept. 24 stampede in one of the roads leading to Jamarat Complex (stone throwing site) in Mina, Saudi Arabia.
Saleh Okenwa, the Commissioner in charge of Information, Research and Library Service, NAHCON, confirmed the new casualty figures to journalists in Mecca.
Okenwa also said 214 pilgrims were still missing, adding that investigation was ongoing to ascertain their whereabout.
He said out of the 355 pilgrims involved, 99 were confirmed dead, 42 injured and 214 were still missing as at October 7.
He also said that of the 99 deceased pilgrims, 73 were transported by state pilgrims welfare agencies, and 26 by tour operators.
Okenwa also said the 42 injured pilgrims comprised 41 transported by state pilgrims’ welfare boards and one by tour operators.
The commissioner said 194 Nigerians of the 214 pilgrims missing were airlifted by the state pilgrims’ welfare agencies, and 20 by tour operators.
Okenwa said only seven of the 42 injured pilgrims were still on admission.
News24
Friday, October 9, 2015
Congo beat Nigeria 2-0 in football friendly
DR Congo won 2-0 against Nigeria in Thursday evening's friendly to inflict a first defeat on new coach Sunday Oliseh. However, the build-up to the game was overshadowed by reports of a rift with goalkeeper and captain Vincent Enyeama, leading to the retirement of the country's record appearance holder.
New coaches usually enjoy a post-appointment honeymoon period with fans and media and Oliseh has been enjoying his -- until now.
This week's highly publicised spat with Enyeama, who enjoys massive fan support, has left Oliseh treading water. Reaction on social media, on radio and even on the streets of Nigeria have, for the most part, been pretty caustic.
Losing to Congo DR in a poor display that saw them ship goals from Dieumerci Mbokani and Jordan Nkololo, simply exacerbated issues for Oliseh, who will now have to ensure his team get back on track to keep the fans on side.
Armband farce
An immediate, if indirect fallout, was the armband farce that took place in the second half. As one Twitter user put it, the Nigerian armband was being passed around "like the Olympic torch." That captured the situation perfectly.
On being substituted, Ahmed Musa handed the armband to John Obi Mikel, who promptly passed it to Ogenyi Onazi. When it came to Onazi's turn to make way, he handed it to Elderson Echiejile.
In light of the current circumstances surrounding the loss of Enyeama, it painted an unflattering picture of the dressing room situation. Who is the leader? Who will step up?
Mikel steps up
On a day when the team looked dire, Mikel was the surprising shining star. Played in an advanced role, he looked very much the opposite of his lacklustre alter ego at Chelsea.
He drove the team forward, took on players, linked play and even tested the goalkeeper on occasion.
What to do with Mikel is a conundrum that many Nigerian coaches have tried and failed to find a solution to. It is a solution that Oliseh will need to find quickly.
No margin for Ikeme error
Carl Ikeme came in to the squad with expectations of being an understudy, but a combination of circumstances in light of Enyeama's decision have thrust him into the spotlight and made him the first-choice goalkeeper.
Exhilarating as this may be, filling the huge gloves of the last occupant puts an additional burden on him. Where he may have been forgiven for the odd mistake, the circumstances of his ascent mean his margin for error has been significantly shaved.
Diaspora takeover
Most of the controversy in the last few weeks has centred on Nigeria's chase for players born in the diaspora.
The high profile decision of Jordon Ibe to pick England ahead of Nigeria has left a sour taste in many mouths.
But the case for players who choose to represent Nigeria, despite not having been born in the country, was strongly made by three of the back five. Leon Balogun, William Troost-Ekong and Ikeme all performed relatively well and have done since their debuts. Perhaps, there is some method to the madness.
ESPN
New coaches usually enjoy a post-appointment honeymoon period with fans and media and Oliseh has been enjoying his -- until now.
This week's highly publicised spat with Enyeama, who enjoys massive fan support, has left Oliseh treading water. Reaction on social media, on radio and even on the streets of Nigeria have, for the most part, been pretty caustic.
Losing to Congo DR in a poor display that saw them ship goals from Dieumerci Mbokani and Jordan Nkololo, simply exacerbated issues for Oliseh, who will now have to ensure his team get back on track to keep the fans on side.
Armband farce
An immediate, if indirect fallout, was the armband farce that took place in the second half. As one Twitter user put it, the Nigerian armband was being passed around "like the Olympic torch." That captured the situation perfectly.
On being substituted, Ahmed Musa handed the armband to John Obi Mikel, who promptly passed it to Ogenyi Onazi. When it came to Onazi's turn to make way, he handed it to Elderson Echiejile.
In light of the current circumstances surrounding the loss of Enyeama, it painted an unflattering picture of the dressing room situation. Who is the leader? Who will step up?
Mikel steps up
On a day when the team looked dire, Mikel was the surprising shining star. Played in an advanced role, he looked very much the opposite of his lacklustre alter ego at Chelsea.
He drove the team forward, took on players, linked play and even tested the goalkeeper on occasion.
What to do with Mikel is a conundrum that many Nigerian coaches have tried and failed to find a solution to. It is a solution that Oliseh will need to find quickly.
No margin for Ikeme error
Carl Ikeme came in to the squad with expectations of being an understudy, but a combination of circumstances in light of Enyeama's decision have thrust him into the spotlight and made him the first-choice goalkeeper.
Exhilarating as this may be, filling the huge gloves of the last occupant puts an additional burden on him. Where he may have been forgiven for the odd mistake, the circumstances of his ascent mean his margin for error has been significantly shaved.
Diaspora takeover
Most of the controversy in the last few weeks has centred on Nigeria's chase for players born in the diaspora.
The high profile decision of Jordon Ibe to pick England ahead of Nigeria has left a sour taste in many mouths.
But the case for players who choose to represent Nigeria, despite not having been born in the country, was strongly made by three of the back five. Leon Balogun, William Troost-Ekong and Ikeme all performed relatively well and have done since their debuts. Perhaps, there is some method to the madness.
ESPN
Ebola scare in Nigeria after man dies in Calabar
An Ebola scare has been reported in southern Nigeria, a year after the country was declared free of the virus.
Ten people have been quarantined after coming into contact with a man showing Ebola-like symptoms, officials said.
The man reportedly died shortly after being admitted to hospital in Calabar.
On Wednesday, the three countries worst affected by Ebola - Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia - recorded their first week with no new cases since the outbreak began in March 2014.
More than 11,000 people died in the West African Ebola outbreak, the worst known occurrence of the disease in history.
New cases have fallen sharply in 2015, but the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the disease could break out again.
The latest scare happened when a patient arrived at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital on Wednesday.
"We have sent blood samples for testing and quarantined identified contacts," said Queeneth Kalu, the hospital's chief medical director.
Those quarantined included nurses who had attended to the patient, he added.
Ebola arrived in Nigeria in July 2014 when a Liberian businessman collapsed at Lagos airport.
But the outbreak was contained with seven deaths - far fewer cases than in the worst-hit countries.
BBC
Ten people have been quarantined after coming into contact with a man showing Ebola-like symptoms, officials said.
The man reportedly died shortly after being admitted to hospital in Calabar.
On Wednesday, the three countries worst affected by Ebola - Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia - recorded their first week with no new cases since the outbreak began in March 2014.
More than 11,000 people died in the West African Ebola outbreak, the worst known occurrence of the disease in history.
New cases have fallen sharply in 2015, but the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the disease could break out again.
The latest scare happened when a patient arrived at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital on Wednesday.
"We have sent blood samples for testing and quarantined identified contacts," said Queeneth Kalu, the hospital's chief medical director.
Those quarantined included nurses who had attended to the patient, he added.
Ebola arrived in Nigeria in July 2014 when a Liberian businessman collapsed at Lagos airport.
But the outbreak was contained with seven deaths - far fewer cases than in the worst-hit countries.
BBC
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Video - Nigeria looking to build sustainable pension system
Industry experts are in Abuja, Nigeria for the World Pension Summit which aims to build sustainable pension systems across Africa. Nigeria is seen as a model for other African nations, following large scale reforms to increase pension funds over the last decade. It's not just the retired who benefit from this expansion. As Kelechi Emekalam reports, it's hoped the capital from growing pension funds can fuel important infrastructure projects across Africa.
Suicide bomber kills 17 in Nigeria
At least 17 people were killed in a series of suicide bomb attacks in northeast Nigeria Wednesday, as Boko Haram released a new video saying its leader was still alive and in charge of the Islamist group.
The worst of the violence struck the Yobe state capital of Damaturu, which was rocked by triple blasts that killed 14 people and left 10 others injured, according to Bashir Idris Garga, Yobe state coordinator at the National Emergency Management Agency.
Damaturu has been repeatedly attacked during Boko Haram's six-year insurgency. Last month, a girl thought to be aged 12 killed six when the explosives she was carrying went off outside a bus station.
Garga said the first blast Wednesday happened at a small food store, killing four. Another near a mosque killed one, while nine, including a family, lost their lives when a bomber struck a Fulani settlement on the outskirts of the city.
Yobe governor Ibrahim Gaidam called the attacks "cowardly and barbaric" and urged improvements in surveillance.
State police spokesman Toyin Gbadegesin told AFP "gun-wielding bombers" carried out the attacks between 5:30 and 6:00 am (0400 to 0500 GMT), before the night-time curfew was lifted.
In neighbouring Borno state, police said three people were killed in a suicide bombing in Gubio, some 85 kilometres (50 miles) from the state capital Maiduguri.
State police commissioner Aderemi Opadokun said two attackers "detonated improvised explosive devices strapped on their bodies... killing themselves and three locals".
While there was no immediate claim of responsibility for Wednesday's bloodshed, it came after Boko Haram militants earlier this week said they carried out three suicide attacks near Abuja last Friday that left 18 dead.
- 'Allegiance to IS' -
Boko Haram meanwhile published a new propaganda video via social media, in which an unidentified fighter read a statement in Hausa and Arabic, flanked by more than a dozen armed fighters.
"Our leader, Abubakar Shekau is alive and remains our leader," the rebel said.
Shekau himself has not been seen on video since February and had not spoken until an audio message last month where he disputed the Nigerian military's claims of successes against the insurgents.
The shadowy leader's absence has sparked rumours about whether he is still alive or whether he might have been deposed as leader.
The militant speaking to the camera on Wednesday said army claims that some 200 fighters had surrendered in the border town of Banki last month and that hundreds of women and children were released, were a "complete lie".
The 17-minute video was posted under the name "Islamic State in West Africa Province", which Boko Haram has used since its pledge of allegiance to IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in March.
"Our allegiance remains with al-Baghdadi," the militant said in the video.
- 'Attack repelled' -
Nigeria's military has claimed a series of recent gains over the insurgents and on Wednesday said scores of rebel fighters were killed during clashes with troops south of Damaturu.
Army spokesman Sani Usman said fighters attempted to attack a battalion of soldiers in Goniri, some 60 kilometres by road southeast of Damaturu, in the early hours of Wednesday.
"During the encounter our gallant troops successfully repelled the attack and inflicted heavy casualties on the invading terrorists as all of them were killed," he said in a statement.
"On the last count over 100 terrorists bodies were seen," he added.
There was no independent verification and the army has previously claimed high losses on the part of the militants.
Usman said seven soldiers were killed and nine others injured in the fighting, which also saw troops recover arms and ammunition, including primed improvised explosive devices.
Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari has set his military commanders a three-month deadline to early November to end the Boko Haram violence, which has left at least 17,000 dead since 2009.
But he has conceded that bomb and suicide attacks in urban areas could continue as Boko Haram reverts to attacking "soft targets" in the face of the government offensive.
Boko Haram has also continued to attack neighbouring Chad, Niger and Cameroon, underlining its threat to regional security.
AFP
The worst of the violence struck the Yobe state capital of Damaturu, which was rocked by triple blasts that killed 14 people and left 10 others injured, according to Bashir Idris Garga, Yobe state coordinator at the National Emergency Management Agency.
Damaturu has been repeatedly attacked during Boko Haram's six-year insurgency. Last month, a girl thought to be aged 12 killed six when the explosives she was carrying went off outside a bus station.
Garga said the first blast Wednesday happened at a small food store, killing four. Another near a mosque killed one, while nine, including a family, lost their lives when a bomber struck a Fulani settlement on the outskirts of the city.
Yobe governor Ibrahim Gaidam called the attacks "cowardly and barbaric" and urged improvements in surveillance.
State police spokesman Toyin Gbadegesin told AFP "gun-wielding bombers" carried out the attacks between 5:30 and 6:00 am (0400 to 0500 GMT), before the night-time curfew was lifted.
In neighbouring Borno state, police said three people were killed in a suicide bombing in Gubio, some 85 kilometres (50 miles) from the state capital Maiduguri.
State police commissioner Aderemi Opadokun said two attackers "detonated improvised explosive devices strapped on their bodies... killing themselves and three locals".
While there was no immediate claim of responsibility for Wednesday's bloodshed, it came after Boko Haram militants earlier this week said they carried out three suicide attacks near Abuja last Friday that left 18 dead.
- 'Allegiance to IS' -
Boko Haram meanwhile published a new propaganda video via social media, in which an unidentified fighter read a statement in Hausa and Arabic, flanked by more than a dozen armed fighters.
"Our leader, Abubakar Shekau is alive and remains our leader," the rebel said.
Shekau himself has not been seen on video since February and had not spoken until an audio message last month where he disputed the Nigerian military's claims of successes against the insurgents.
The shadowy leader's absence has sparked rumours about whether he is still alive or whether he might have been deposed as leader.
The militant speaking to the camera on Wednesday said army claims that some 200 fighters had surrendered in the border town of Banki last month and that hundreds of women and children were released, were a "complete lie".
The 17-minute video was posted under the name "Islamic State in West Africa Province", which Boko Haram has used since its pledge of allegiance to IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in March.
"Our allegiance remains with al-Baghdadi," the militant said in the video.
- 'Attack repelled' -
Nigeria's military has claimed a series of recent gains over the insurgents and on Wednesday said scores of rebel fighters were killed during clashes with troops south of Damaturu.
Army spokesman Sani Usman said fighters attempted to attack a battalion of soldiers in Goniri, some 60 kilometres by road southeast of Damaturu, in the early hours of Wednesday.
"During the encounter our gallant troops successfully repelled the attack and inflicted heavy casualties on the invading terrorists as all of them were killed," he said in a statement.
"On the last count over 100 terrorists bodies were seen," he added.
There was no independent verification and the army has previously claimed high losses on the part of the militants.
Usman said seven soldiers were killed and nine others injured in the fighting, which also saw troops recover arms and ammunition, including primed improvised explosive devices.
Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari has set his military commanders a three-month deadline to early November to end the Boko Haram violence, which has left at least 17,000 dead since 2009.
But he has conceded that bomb and suicide attacks in urban areas could continue as Boko Haram reverts to attacking "soft targets" in the face of the government offensive.
Boko Haram has also continued to attack neighbouring Chad, Niger and Cameroon, underlining its threat to regional security.
AFP
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