Explosion In Benin Republic
34 dies at illegal fuel explosion depot in Benin republic, At least 34 people were killed when a contraband fuel dump burst into flames in southern Benin near the border with Nigeria, a government official said on Saturday.
“A serious fire occurred in the town of Seme Podji,” Interior Minister Alassane Seidou told reporters.
“Unfortunately we have 34 deaths including two babies. Their bodies are charred because the cause of the fire is smuggled fuel.”
In another news,
Lines of hundreds of trucks stretch back many kilometres close to Benin’s northern border with Niger, their cargo wasting and their drivers going broke after weeks stranded at the closed frontier.
Almost two months since a coup ousted Niger’s president, the trucks blocked in Malanville at Benin’s border are the most striking symbol of the fallout Niger’s neighbours are suffering from sanctions imposed on Niamey.
After the 15-member West African bloc ECOWAS banned trade with Niger and threatened military action to restore democracy, the new junta also blockaded a bridge border crossing with Benin.
Nigerien driver Mahamat Kabirou Amadou left Benin’s economic capital Cotonou for Niamey 50 days ago and now sits stuck in Malanville, AFP reported on Thursday.