Politics
60 dead as passenger boat capsizes in Nigeria’s Niger State


- Vessel with 100+ aboard struck submerged tree stump.
- Incident occurred near Gausawa in Borgu district.
- Dozens rescued, 10 in serious condition.
At least 60 people have died and dozens were rescued after a boat carrying over 100 passengers capsized in Nigeria’s north-central Niger State, local officials said on Wednesday.
The vessel departed from Tungan Sule in Malale district on Tuesday morning, heading to Dugga for a condolence visit, when it struck a submerged tree stump near Gausawa community in Borgu Local Government Area.
Abdullahi Baba Ara, chair of Borgu Local Government Area, said the casualty figure was rising.
“The death toll of the boat incident has risen to 60,” Baba Ara told Reuters. “Ten people have been found in serious condition, and many are still being sought.”
The incident occurred around 11am (1000 GMT).
Sa’adu Inuwa Muhammad, the district head of Shagumi, told Reuters he was at the scene shortly after the accident.
“I was at the scene yesterday, around 12pm until 4pm. The boat carried more than 100 people,” Muhammad said. “We were able to recover 31 corpses from the river. The boat was also recovered and removed.”
He added that four victims were buried on Tuesday in accordance with Islamic rites, and that women and children made up the majority of the deceased.
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency said emergency personnel and local divers were searching for the victims. It confirmed 29 deaths so far with 50 rescues, and two missing persons. The agency said the boat was overloaded and collided with a tree stump, causing it to capsize.
Boat accidents are frequent in Nigeria, especially during the rainy season, due to lax safety enforcement, overcrowding, and the use of poorly maintained vessels.
Politics
Trump says India and Russia appear ‘lost’ to China


US President Donald Trump on Friday said India and Russia seem to have been “lost” to China after their leaders met with Chinese President Xi Jinping this week, highlighting his split from New Delhi and Moscow as Beijing pushes a new world order.
“Looks like we’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest, China. May they have a long and prosperous future together!” Trump wrote in a social media post accompanying a photo of the three other world leaders together at Xi’s summit in China.

Asked about Trump’s post, the Indian foreign ministry spokesperson told reporters in New Delhi that he had no comment.
Representatives for Beijing and Moscow could not be immediately reached for comment on Trump’s post on his Truth Social platform.
Xi hosted more than 20 leaders of non-Western countries for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in the Chinese port city of Tianjin, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Putin and Modi were see holding hands at the summit as they walked toward Xi before all three men stood side by side.
Modi’s warming ties with China comes as Trump has chilled US-India ties amid trade tensions and other disputes. Trump earlier this week said he was “very disappointed” in Putin but not worried about growing Russia-China ties.
Politics
Six Flags Qiddiya City to redefine entertainment with world’s tallest roller coaster


Six Flags Qiddiya City is set to be Saudi Arabia’s first Six Flags amusement park and a hallmark attraction within the broader Qiddiya City entertainment mega-development outside Riyadh. Qiddiya City is an integral part of Saudi Vision 2030, a bold initiative aimed at diversifying the economy and establishing the kingdom as a global leader in tourism.
Developed by the Qiddiya Investment Company in partnership with Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, the park is scheduled to open in late 2025. This park is designed to become a centre for entertainment, sports, and the arts. Six Flags runs theme parks across the US and in Canada, Mexico, and China. The original park was founded in Texas in 1961 and themed on the six flags that once flew over the state.
The ambitious project represents a multibillion-dollar investment to drive economic growth, create job opportunities, and attract millions of visitors annually. As a testament to Qiddiya’s commitments, both parks are set to create thousands of jobs, nurturing local talent and enhancing the attractions industry within the kingdom.
Key features at a glance
Record-breaking rides
The park will feature 28 rides and attractions across six themed lands, including five world-record rides:
Falcon’s flight: The star of the show — poised to be the world’s tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster. Height: approximately 195 metres (639 feet)
- Top speed: up to 250 km/h (155 mph)
- Track length: around 4.2km
Other record-setting attractions include:
Sirocco Tower: Tallest free-standing shot tower ride
- Gyrospin: Tallest pendulum ride
- Spitfire: Tallest triple-launch coaster (in “Valley of Fortune”)
- Iron Rattler: Tallest tilted coaster
Six immersive themed lands
The Citadel: The central hub beneath a Bedouin-style canopy; houses eateries, shops, and entertainment zones
City of Thrills: High-adrenaline attractions including Falcon’s Flight and Sirocco Tower
Discovery Springs: A lush, water-themed oasis with waterfalls and rainforest-style relief
Valley of Fortune: Adventure amid ancient Arabian ruins, featuring Spitfire, Skywatch, Treasure Trail, and Canyon Charters
Grand Exposition: A celebrated showcase inspired by World Expos, featuring Gyrospin, the wooden-steel hybrid coaster Colossus, Arabian Carousel, Expo Flyer, and bumper rides.
Steam Town and Twilight Gardens are also featured, though details are less public; Steam Town likely focuses on mechanical-themed thrills while Twilight Gardens offers family-friendly wonder.
Family and amenities
Offers a mix of thrilling rides and 18 family-friendly attractions.
Amenities include 27 international F&B outlets, 24 retail shops, a baby care center, and day-long entertainment shows.
Sustainability and economic impact
Over 80% of operational waste will be recycled.
Part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the park aims to drive tourism, diversify the economy, and create thousands of jobs.
Integrated with Aquarabia Water Park
Aquarabia Water Theme Park will make a splash with 22 state-of-the-art water rides and attractions, including the world’s tallest water coaster and the world’s tallest double-loop water slide. The water park will welcome guests to eight themed areas, including Surftopia, featuring Saudi Arabia’s first surf pool. Together, these attractions will set a new standard for family-friendly entertainment in the region.
Both parks are designed as a walkable, interconnected entertainment district.
Operator partnership: Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the official operator, bringing its global expertise to manage both the theme park and Aquarabia. Brian Machamer leads the operations of both parks.
Politics
Russian President warns: Western troops in Ukraine can be attacked

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned on Friday that any Western forces sent to Ukraine would be considered a “legitimate” target for Moscow’s military. His remarks came a day after Kyiv’s allies confirmed plans to deploy troops if a peace deal is reached.
On Thursday, two dozen countries, led by France and Britain, pledged to join a “reassurance” force across land, sea, and air to monitor any agreement.
Speaking at an economic forum in Vladivostok, Putin said, “If some troops appear there, especially during active fighting, we proceed from the premise that they will be legitimate targets.”
He added that the deployment of such forces would not support long-term peace and cited Ukraine’s growing military ties with the West as one of the “root causes” of the conflict.
Ukraine’s allies have not provided detailed information about the plan, including troop numbers or each country’s specific role.
Kyiv maintains that security guarantees backed by Western forces are essential to prevent Russia from restarting its offensive.
Since Moscow launched its invasion in February 2022, tens of thousands have been killed, millions displaced, and much of eastern and southern Ukraine has been devastated.
Putin said if a deal could be struck, there was no need for the troops.
“If decisions are reached that will lead to peace, to long-term peace, then I simply don’t see the point in their presence on the territory of Ukraine.
“Because if deals are reached, let no one doubt that Russia will comply with them in full,” he said.
Ukraine and the West point to a long list of times Russia has broken agreements, including between 2014 and 2022, when Moscow-backed separatists were fighting Kyiv’s army in the east of the country.
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