Hospital Flies in Nigeria Found Carrying Drug-Resistant Bacteria, Raising Infection Concerns

A brutal gun attack in Yelewata village, Benue state, Nigeria, has resulted in the deaths of at least 100 individuals, according to Amnesty International Nigeria. The attack, which occurred between late Friday night and early Saturday morning, also left dozens missing and hundreds injured, with many victims suffering from inadequate medical care, the rights organization reported on social media. Witnesses described harrowing scenes, including families trapped and burned in their homes, with bodies so severely burned they were unrecognizable. Graphic images circulating online depicted the destruction, including charred buildings and lifeless bodies. Udeme Edet, a police spokesperson in Benue, confirmed the occurrence of the attack but did not disclose the death toll. Although the assailants' identity is unclear, clashes in the region—often tied to disputes between herders and farmers—are common. Farmers accuse predominantly Fulani herders of damaging crops, while herders argue for their historical grazing rights. Recent violence in neighboring areas has raised concerns over escalating tensions. In response, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has dispatched a delegation to support victims' families.

A tragic bus accident on Saturday in Nigeria resulted in the deaths of 21 athletes who were returning from the 22nd National Sports Festival. Officials from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) indicated that the crash, which occurred on a highway without any other vehicles involved, may have been caused by driver's fatigue or excessive speed following a long overnight journey. The athletes were traveling back to Kano, located in northern Nigeria, after participating in the sports festival held approximately 1,000 kilometers away in Ogun state. President Bola Tinubu praised the event's significance, highlighting it as a representation of national unity, strength, and resilience. Road accidents in Nigeria are frequent, largely attributed to poorly maintained infrastructure and significant disregard for traffic regulations. According to FRSC statistics, the country experienced 9,570 road accidents last year alone, which led to 5,421 fatalities.

At least 151 people have died due to severe flooding in Mokwa, a market town in Nigeria's Niger state, following heavy rainfall that began on Thursday. Niger State emergency service spokesperson Ibrahim Audu Husseini reported the numbers rising dramatically, with over 3,000 residents displaced and many still unaccounted for. The flooding has submerged roads and buildings, heavily impacting local infrastructures, which are already facing criticisms for being inadequate during natural disasters. Experts are warning that climate change is exacerbating such disasters. Mohamed Adow, director of Power Shift Africa, highlighted the "cruel irony" faced by African nations, noting that those least responsible for climate change are suffering its direst consequences. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has initiated emergency response measures to aid recovery efforts, ensuring that relief materials reach affected individuals promptly. Meanwhile, ongoing budget cuts to international aid by nations like the UK have raised concerns among NGOs about the ability to support countries like Nigeria, which are vulnerable to climate impacts. The rainy season began in April, but infrastructural improvements in flood-prone regions are long overdue, as highlighted by local officials.