Author: Garba Muhammad, Ahmed Kingimi
Tragedy struck in northern Nigeria as a boat carrying mostly women and children returning from a religious festival capsized in the River Niger. Dozens were feared dead, with the wooden boat packed with nearly 300 passengers sinking around 8.30 pm. Fortunately, rescue workers and volunteers managed to save 150 individuals, but the search for more survivors is ongoing. Ismaila Umar, head of a boat skippers association, expressed doubt in finding more survivors, citing past incidents in the area. This marks the second major disaster in Niger state within 18 months, highlighting the dangers of overcrowded and poorly maintained boats on…
Tragedy struck in Nigeria’s Kaduna state as an airstrike aimed at armed gangs ended up killing at least 24 innocent villagers on September 27. This incident, highlighted in a special Reuters report, reflects a disturbing trend of military operations causing civilian casualties. Nigeria’s military, working with international support, has been aggressively targeting Islamist insurgents and kidnapping gangs. The Air Force defended the Kaduna airstrike, citing credible intelligence and surveillance. However, residents like Muhammad Hussaini claim the strike hit a mosque in a community with no known bandit presence. The local councillor, Abdullahi Ismail, confirmed the devastating loss of lives. The…