Nigeria, March 2 -- After a blistering heatwave, ice and cold water became precious items on Saturday as the Muslim faithful in Maiduguri prepared to break their first fast on the first day of Ramadan.

According to Google, the temperature in Maiduguri on Saturday ranged from 21degC to 38degC. Last year, on the same day, the temperature was, however, higher.

The heatwave forced many people to take shelter under canopies and tree shades. The streets were almost empty in the Birno State capital.

By 5 p.m., residents began to emerge on the streets wearing long faces, looking for something cold.

Waiting for them were vendors who had lined up Baga Road and other streets of Maiduguri with ice and cold water.

While a 50cl sachet ice block so...