“History is a relentless master. It has no present, only the past rushing into the future. To try to hold fast is to be swept aside.” – John F. Kennedy
Today In History
1. Major General Johnson Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi Was Born
On this day in 1924, Major General Johnson Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi, the first military head of state in Nigeria was born in Umuahia-Ibeku in present Abia State.
Ironsi seized power following the January 15, 1966 military coup, serving as the Nigerian Head of State from 16 January 1966 until his murder on 29 July 1966 by a group of mutinous Northern army.
2. United Africa Company Was Formed
On this day in 1929, United Africa Company (UAC) was formed by a merger of The Niger Company which had been effectively owned by Lever Brothers since 1920, and the African & Eastern Trade Corporation.
3. Mau Mau Massacre
On this day in 1959, 11 imprisoned rebels of the anti-colonial Mau Mau Rebellion were beaten to death by British warders at the Hola detention camp in Coastal Province. The deaths would eventually be disregarded by the British government.
4. Trial Of South African Celebrity Paralympian Oscar Pistorius Began In South Africa
On this day in 2014, the murder trial of South African paralympian, Oscar Pistorius began in South Africa. The trial was a broadcast live world-wide.
Pistorius was charged with murdering his girlfriend, model Reeva Steenkamp, in “The Valentine’s Day Killing.”
5. The Movement for the Restoration of the Ten Commandments of God Members Died In A Fire In Uganda
On this day in 2000, 530 followers of the Movement for the Restoration of the Ten Commandments of God in Uganda died in mass murder the group’s leaders after their predictions of the apocalypse failed to come about.
6. Unrest In Kosovo
On this day in 2004, no fewer than 14 people died and over 100 hundred wounded in a civil unrest in the partitioned town of Mitrovica, Kosovo.
