World Tour - Militant attacks in Nigeria, and tourism in Europe

NICK EICHER, HOST: Coming up next on The World and Everything in It: World Tour with our reporter in Africa, Onize Ohikere.

ONIZE OHIKERE, REPORTER—Boko Haram attack—We start today here in Africa.

AUDIO: [PEOPLE TALKING, WAILING]

Islamic militants killed at least 81 people in a village in northern Nigeria last week. The Boko Haram fighters posed as Islamic teachers. They gathered the villagers together in a wide empty field, then started shooting. The insurgents also abducted seven people, including the village leader.

Over the weekend, other militants attacked three more towns. They set homes and vehicles on fire and killed at least 60 people.

Boko Haram and Islamic State fighters are especially active in the Lake Chad region where the borders of four countries meet. 

Tens of thousands of people have been killed and 3 million have been displaced from the area over the last decade.

Rare mountain gorilla killed—Next we go to Uganda.

AUDIO: A search was conducted in one of the suspects premises…

Four men have been arrested for killing a rare mountain gorilla. 

Rafiki was a famous silverback gorilla living in one of Uganda’s national parks. He was speared by hunters in early June. One confessed to killing the gorilla, but claimed it was in self defense. If found guilty, the poachers face life in prison or a fine of $5 million. 

Mountain gorillas are an endangered species and a popular draw for tourists in the area. Only about 1,000 of the gorillas still exist.

Gas tanker explodes—Next we go to Asia. 

AUDIO: [EXPLOSION]

At least 19 people died Saturday when a gas tanker exploded on a Chinese highway. The explosion collapsed nearby homes and factories and sent huge chunks of debris flying through the air. More than 170 people were injured.

Authorities say they are still investigating what caused the blast. The company that owned the truck has violated safety guidelines before. Reports show 10 health and safety infractions over the past two years. 

Journalist found guilty of libel—Next to the Philippines.

A prominent journalist has been found guilty of “cyber libel.” Maria Ressa is the founder of a news site called Rappler. It gained attention for its critical coverage of President Rodrigo Duterte. 

In 2012, Ressa published an article alleging that an influential businessman had ties to illegal drugs and human trafficking. The article also linked the businessman to a high court judge. Prosecutors called that libel and arrested her last year. She now faces up to six years in prison, but says she will appeal the ruling.

AUDIO: I appeal to you, the journalists in this room, the Filipinos who are listening, to protect your rights. We are meant to be a cautionary tale. We are meant to make you afraid.

Media freedom in the Philippines has deteriorated under Duterte. Journalists are often harassed and attacked. Just last month, the country’s biggest broadcaster was forced off the air by a cease-and-desist order.

Europe opens borders for tourism—Finally, we end today in Europe.

AUDIO: [TRAFFIC SOUND]

Cars rolled across the border between France and Germany on Monday as dozens of European countries dropped coronavirus restrictions overnight. Many are hoping to kickstart their tourism industries. Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Poland, and Greece are among the countries now open to European tourists. But the countries remain closed to visitors from other continents.

That’s this week’s World Tour. Reporting for WORLD, I’m Onize Ohikere in Abuja, Nigeria.

(AP Photo/Aaron Favila, File) In this April 3, 2019, file photo, Rappler CEO and Executive Editor Maria Ressa arrives at the Court of Tax Appeals in metropolitan Manila, Philippines. 

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