- Year 2000 Kaduna riots
- Christians burned Muslim corpses and defaced wrecked mosques in Onitsha
- One soldier and six civilians were killed in election-related violence in Akuku-Toru, Rivers
- Three were killed in election-related violence in Sapele, Delta
- One was killed in election-related violence in Ibadan, Oyo
- Election-related violence resulted in one death in Dekina LGA and one death in Igalamela Odolu LGA in Kogi
- Gunmen abducted ten corps members in Abak LGA, four in Itu LGA, and four in Ikono LGA in Akwa Ibom
There is no history of humanity; rather, there are numerous histories of various facets of human existence. The history of political power is one of these – Karl Popper, says this gets exalted into the annals of the world.
The history of a particular society can only be accurately narrated by individuals who lived there. Nobody is better than Nigerians at rewriting our history. We must carefully remember the past for the benefit of education, especially the significant events for reflection.
But, February 23rd in Nigerian history was shaped by seven important events. These events are crucial to Nigeria’s development, including both its triumphant and tragic moments. They are not just important.
Year 2000 Kaduna riots
On this date, 23rd of February in 2000, residents of Kaduna Communities fled after two days of religious clashes which led to the demise of atleast 200 people.
According to sources, the 2000 Kaduna riots were religious riots in Kaduna involving Christians and Muslims over the introduction of sharia law in Kaduna State, Nigeria.
When in February 2000, the governor of Kaduna announced the introduction of sharia to Kaduna State, of which non-Muslims form almost half of the population, the Kaduna branch of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) organised a public protest against it in Kaduna city. Muslim youths then clashed with them and the situation spiraled out of control, with massive violence and destruction on both sides.
Christians burned Muslim corpses and defaced wrecked mosques in Onitsha
On this date, 23rd of February in 2006, Christians in Onitsha burned Muslim corpses and defaced wrecked mosques Thursday after days of sectarian strife that has killed more than 120 people across the country.
With 80 people killed, Onitsha has borne the brunt of the violence that followed weekend protests over the publication of cartoons of the Muslim Prophet Muhammad.
A Muslim district of about 100 homes was burned to the ground, and crumpled corrugated tin roofs lay on top of the remains of smoldering houses.
One soldier and six civilians were killed in election-related violence in Akuku-Toru, Rivers
On this date, 23rd of February in 2019, a soldier and five other persons were killed while several others sustained injuries in the violence that trailed the Presidential and National Assembly elections in Rivers State.
The soldier, a lieutenant, was among persons said to have been killed at Abonnema, headquarters of Akuku Toru Local Government Area, while a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Chairman of Andoni Local Government Council, Chief Mowan Etete, was killed alongside his elder brother and cousin in Asarama.
Three were killed in election-related violence in Sapele, Delta
On this date, 23rd of February in 2019, three persons were killed and two others sustained gunshot injuries following shooting from suspected ballot box snatchers.
The incident took place at Amope in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State on Saturday during accreditation and voting at some units.
It was learnt that the suspected hoodlums emerged from an unknown place and started shooting sporadically to scare away voters and election officers and agents.
As they released a volley of gunshots on some units on old Eku Road, Amope, two voters died instantly and one other person gave up the ghost at a hospital where he was rushed to.
One was killed in election-related violence in Ibadan, Oyo
On this day, 23rd of February in 2019, a teenager identified as Monsuru was shot dead in Ibadan, Oyo State, during the presidential election on Saturday.
It was gathered that Monsuru was shot by thugs after the counting of votes had started in some polling units.
According to witnesses, Monsuru whose full identity has not been revealed was shot by a notorious gang called “One million boys’.
The gang had in the last couple of years been terrorising major areas of Ibadan city.
Election-related violence resulted in one death in Dekina LGA and one death in Igalamela Odolu LGA in Kogi
On this date, 23rd of February in 2019, an undergraduate from the Kogi State University identified as Daniel Usman was allegedly shot dead in Kogi state, during the Presidential and National Assembly polls in Ajetachi, Dekina Local Government Area (LGA), Anyigba, Kogi State.
Detail of the incident still remains sketchy as at the time of this report but, based on information shared by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the killing occurred at the early hours of the day.
Gunmen abducted ten corps members in Abak LGA, four in Itu LGA, and four in Ikono LGA in Akwa Ibom
On this date, 23rd of February in 2019, a total of 18 National Youth Service Corps members were abducted on Saturday in different locations in Akwa Ibom by unknown gunmen.
Ten youth Corp members, who worked as adhoc staff were abducted in Abak in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial, four in Itu and another four in Ikono.