Scorching Heatwave Sparks Rush for Ice, Cold Water in Maiduguri

A scorching heatwave sent residents of Maiduguri scrambling for ice and cold water on Saturday as they prepared to break their first fast on the first day of Ramadan.  

With temperatures ranging from 21°C to 38°C, according to Google, the extreme heat forced many to seek shelter under tree shades and canopies. The usually busy streets of the Borno State capital were nearly deserted for most of the day.

By late afternoon, as the time for iftar approached, residents began to emerge, visibly exhausted, in search of something cold to quench their thirst. Vendors lined up along Baga Road and other major streets, offering ice and cold water at premium prices.

A 50cl sachet of ice block sold for between N100 and N150, while the same size sachet of cold water was priced at N20 to N25.

“I won’t enjoy breaking my fast without cold water. The weather was too hot. Since morning, I could not come out until now,” said Musa Adam, who had just purchased iced water from a vendor.

However, access to cold water was not universal, with some areas experiencing shortages.

“In my area around Bulabulin, cold water is difficult to get. You have to struggle for it,” lamented Baba Goni, who had to travel about 15 kilometres to Baga Road in search of cold water.

Apart from cold drinks, residents also sought fruits like watermelon, lemons, and bananas at the Baga Road Market to accompany their iftar.

The demand for cold refreshments is expected to persist as the fasting period continues under the intense heatwave.

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