Fuel Explosion Archives – Sky News Africa

Home Tags Fuel Explosion

Nigeria fuel truck fire kills at least 50 -governor's spokesman

News

Nigeria fuel truck fire kills at least 50

Prince Ebuka - July 3, 2019

NIGERIA At least 50 people were killed in Nigeria when fuel from a crashed truck that they were siphoning...

MOST POPULAR

Nigeria's Plateau Reps member moves to end hunger, donates fertilizer

Nigeria’s Plateau Reps member moves to end hunger, donates fertilizer

August 7, 2019

Millions of Hindu pilgrims took the plunge into sacred rivers at the world's largest religious gathering Monday, led by ash-smeared holy men and accompanied by religious chanting. On the most auspicious day of the months-long Kumbh Mela festival, devotees rose at dawn in the northern city of Allahabad to immerse themselves at the confluence of three rivers -- the Ganges, the Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. Thousands of Naga Sadhus, a devout, fierce and famously nude sect of followers of the Hindu god Shiv, and other holy men clad in saffron robes, led the mass bathing in the chilly waters, some brandishing swords and tridents. Hindus believe that bathing in the sacred rivers cleanses them of sin and Monday's Mauni Amavasya Snan -- the "no moon day" -- is considered the holiest of the gigantic 48-day festival that runs until March 4. More than 30,000 police were on duty to manage the huge crowds and prevent the deadly stampedes that have marred previous gatherings. Authorities have spent about $40 million on an operation to block drains and make sure others undergo special cleansing so that waste water pouring into the rivers does not threaten the pilgrims. AFP / SANJAY KANOJIA Pilgrims have been streaming into a temporary tent city three times the size of Manhattan island to participate in the festival's high point Special skimmer boats collected waste from the surface of the rivers and more than 40,000 temporary toilets have been installed. Pilgrims have been streaming into a temporary tent city -- three times the size of Manhattan island -- in buses, trains and cars to participate in the festival's high point. The confluence of the three rivers is considered especially holy and Hindus believe bathing there during the Kumbh helps cleanse sins and bring salvation. Nearly 12 million people attended the inaugural bathing ritual on January 15 and about 120 million are expected during the whole festival. Devotees meditate on the banks of the rivers after the dip and collect Ganges water in cans to take home. Many observe complete silence for the rest of the day after their ritual bath. According to Hindu mythology, gods and demons fought a war over a sacred pitcher, or kumbh, containing the nectar of immortality. During the clashes, a few drops fell to earth at four different locations -- one being Allahabad. The historic city was recently renamed Prayagraj by the state's Hindu government but is still widely known as Allahabad, the name it was given by Muslim rulers hundreds of years ago.

Millions take the plunge at India’s religious mega festival

February 4, 2019

More required to end culture of abuse and violence

More required to end culture of abuse and violence

January 4, 2019

I‘ll boost human capital development in Rivers, says Nigeria’s Gov candidate

I‘ll boost human capital development in Rivers, says Nigeria’s Gov candidate

December 9, 2018

DON'T MISS

sky news africa

Crime

Christmas: Military taskforce arrests bandits in Nigeria’s Plateau

Boris Johnson wins race to become next PM

Politics

Boris Johnson wins race to become next PM

sky news africa Selena Gomez

Video

Video: I want a boyfriend – Selena Gomez

A gang of armed robbers stole 500 loaves of bread during a delivery at a bakery in Zimbabwe earlier this week. According to The Chronicle news portal, a crew from Lobel’s Bakery was making deliveries at Speciman Shopping Centre in Harare’s Glen Norah suburb on Tuesday. An unmarked vehicle reportedly suddenly pulled up in front of their van. Armed with pistols, the gang accosted the crew, which, in turn, tried to put up a fight but was overpowered. According to Buluwayo 24 News, Lobel’s Bakery spokesperson Heritage Mhende would not be drawn to comment, while Zimbabwe Republic Police national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said investigations were in progress. Bread is currently very scarce in that country and is reportedly fetching high prices on the informal market, IOL reported. Tafadzwa Musarara, the head of the Miller’s Association, reportedly said this week that $7m had been released by the central bank to import wheat stored in Beira. He reportedly said this would be enough to last the country for just over two weeks.

Crime

Armed robbers steal 500 loaves of bread in Zimbabwe