“Without words, without writing and without books there would be no history, there could be no concept of humanity.” — Hermann Hesse
Today In History
1. Sectarian Rife In Onitsha, Nigeria
On this day in 2006, a sectarian rife occurred in Onitsha in Anambra state of Nigeria. Packs of armed youths killed dozens of people and set fire to mosques and Muslim properties youths. No fewer than 120 people lost their lives in the rife.
2. Nigerian Army Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro Declared River Niger Republic Autonomous
On this day in 1966, Nigerian Army Major Isaac Jasper Adaka declared the secession of the “Niger Delta Republic”. Following the declaration he fought with the Nigerian forces and was defeated twelve days later. His revolt was the first armed rebellion against the Federal Government of Nigeria.
3. Ahmadou Adhijo Stadium Opened In Cameroon
On this day in 1972, Ahmadou Adhijo Stadium, named after Cameroon’s president was opened in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The stadium was opened with the first day of football matches of the 1972 Africa Cup of Nations.
4. South Africa Launched It’s First Satellite
On this day in 1999, South Africa launched it’s first satellite, Stellenbosch University SATellite or SUNSAT into the earth orbit. The satellite operated in orbit for nearly 2 years.
5. Series Of Attacks In Iraq
On this day in 2012, five simultaneous waves of bombings hit Iraq during the insurgency and the first such major assault since the US withdrawal at the end of 2011. No fewer than 83 people were killed and over 259 injured in the attacks spread out across the country.
6. Ecuadorian Prison Riots
On this day in 2021, riots broke out simultaneously in four prisons in Ecuador. 79 inmates were reportedly killed, while several others were injured.
According to Ecuadorian authorities, the riots were caused by gang rivalry and dominance in the prisons.
