- Destruction of Fela’s home, Kalakuta Republic
- Over 30 Christians killed during protest in Borno
- Over 200 Muslim killed during protests in Yelwa, Plateau
- Two soldiers killed, many houses reportedly burnt in Plateau
- Gunmen killed seven in Edo
- Four NSCDC officers were kidnapped in Ofu, Kogi
History is a jumble of accidents, blunders, surprises, and absurdities, and so is our knowledge of it, according to historian Henry Steele Commager (1902–1998), but if we are to record it at all, we must impose some order onto it.
When we look back or reflect on the past, it’s not because we are happy or excited about the tragic events or stories; rather, we do it for educational and life-lesson purposes.
In an effort to close the gap in historical documentation and for educational purposes, WITHIN NIGERIA has highlighted six significant historical events that occurred on February 18th in Nigeria.
Destruction of Fela’s home, Kalakuta Republic
More than 1,000 armed soldiers encircled the property on this day in 1977, destroyed the generator, and brutally treated the residents.
Legendary Afrobeats musician Fela claimed that he was beaten and dragged out of the main house by his genitalia. He only managed to survive thanks to the intervention of a commanding officer.
Many women allegedly were raped, and Funmilayo, Fela’s 78-year-old mother, was reportedly killed after being thrown through a window of a storey building.
Over 30 Christians killed during protest in Borno
More than 30 Christians were slain on this day, February 18, 2006, during rallies organized by some Muslim radicals in Borno state.
Over 200 Muslims killed in Yelwa, Plateau
More than 200 Muslims were slain on this day, February 18, 2004, in Yelwa, a village in the Central Plateau, which prompted the declaration of a state of emergency in the area.
According to accounts, Christian militia organized and financed the attacks, and some Muslim youths in Kano State carried out retaliatory attacks.
Two soldiers killed, many houses reportedly burnt in Plateau
Unknown gunmen were accused of killing two soldiers on this day, February 18, 2020, and setting a number of homes on fire in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Jos, Plateau state.
The event, which happened Monday night, was confirmed by the Plateau State Police Command.
One more soldier was hurt, according to Ubah Ogaba, the command’s public relations officer, and is being treated at a hospital.
“Suspected shooters opened fire on Operation Safe Haven officers. One soldier was hurt, and two soldiers were killed during the procedure, according to the spokeswoman.
Gunmen killed seven in Edo
In the Ovia North East local government area of Edo State on this day, February 18, 2021, gunmen thought to be criminal herders reportedly killed seven people, including farmers.
According to information obtained, the killings took place in the local government area’s predominantly farming towns of Ugboke, Oshodi, Okokodo, Ariyan, and Yoruba camp.
Four NSCDC officers were kidnapped in Ofu, Kogi
According to reports, four officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) from the Kogi State Command were abducted on this date, February 18, 2020.
It was discovered that the officers were taken hostage on Thursday while en route to Benue State to take a promotion exam.