“History isn’t something you look back at and say it was inevitable, it happens because people make decisions that are sometimes very impulsive and of the moment, but those moments are cumulative realities.” – Marsha P. Johnson
Today In History
1. Sokoto Caliphate Surrendered To British Colonial Authorities
On this day in 1903, the Sokoto Caliphate was conquered by British Colonial forces. The caliphate was thereafter divided between the British, German and French powers.
2. Chevron Nigeria Limited’s Pipeline Was Vandalized In Delta
On this day in 2009, Niger Delta Militants vandalized Chevron Nigeria Limited’s Makaraba-Utonana-Abiteye pipeline which eventually caused fire at its Makaraba Jacket 5 facility in Delta state.
3. Nigerian Child Comedian And Social Media Star, Emanuella Won Nickelodeon’s Kids Choice Award for Favourite African Star
On this day in 2021, Nigerian child comedian and social media star won Nickelodeon’s Kids Choice Award for Favourite African Star. She achieved the feat despite being nominated alongside other African Stars like Nigerian comedy group, Ikorodu Bois, South African Magician, Wian Van Den Berg; Ugandan Youth Dance Group, Ghetto Kids, Kenyan social media sensation, Elsa Majimbo, and South African media personality, Bonang Matheba.
4. Air Disaster Caused By Pilot’s Sudden Heart Attack Happened In South Africa
On this day in 1967, a scheduled passenger flight crashed into the sea on approach to East London, South Africa, killing all 25 passengers and crew on board. The crash reportedly occurred because the captain of the plane suffered a heart attack while on approach and the first officer was unable to regain control of the aircraft.
5. Swaziland (Eswatini) Signed Agreement With South Africa For Joint Control Over Komati River Basin
On this day in 1992, Swaziland (Eswatini), a landlocked country signed an agreement with it’s neighboring country, South Africa for joint control over the Komati River Basin. The agreement paved way for the construction of Eswatini’s dam.
6. Grand-Bassam Shootings In Ivory Coast
On this day in 2016, three Islamist gunmen opened fire at a beach resort in Grand-Bassam, Ivory Coast. No fewer than 19 people died and 33 others injured in the shootings.
7. Ankara Bombing
On this day in 2016, bombing took place on Atatürk Boulevard, near Güvenpark in Ankara, Turkey. The bombing carried out by the Kurdistan Freedom Hawks (TAK) killed at least 37 people and injured 125. Of the 125 individuals who suffered injuries, 19 of them were seriously harmed.
8. Dunblane Massacre In Scotland
On this day in 1996, 43-year-old Thomas Hamilton invaded Dunblane Primary School in Dunblane, near Stirling, Scotland, and killed 16 pupils and one teacher and injured 15 others before killing himself. The massacre remains the deadliest mass shooting in British history. Popular tennis players, Andy and Jamie Murray were one of the survivors of the massacre.
9. Sierre Coach Crash In Switzerland
On this day in 2012, a coach carrying school teachers and pupils crashed into a wall in the Sierre Tunnel in Switzerland, killing 28 of the 52 people on board. The 28 people included two drivers, all four teachers, and 22 children.
It was regarded as Switzerland’s second-worst road accident in history and the country’s worst in a motorway tunnel.
