WITHIN NIGERIA highlights three out of notable events events that occurred on June 1 in the history of this country, Nigeria in an effort to create awareness for education and enlightenment purpose.
Northern Cameroon was formally integrated into Nigeria as Sardauna Province
On June 1, 1961, the Northern Cameroon was formally integrated into Nigeria as Sardauna Province following the UN plebiscite of February 11, 1961.
According to reports, Northern Cameroons opted to join Nigeria with 59.97% in favor, while Southern Cameroons voted to join Cameroon.
The new province was named for Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, who was Premier of Northern Nigeria at the time and it covered areas of modern-day Adamawa and Taraba states while the Southern Cameroons went the other way and joined the Republic of Cameroon on October 1, 1961.
Bomb Blast Killed 40 at Football Match in Mubi, Adamawa
No fewer than 40 people were killed Sunday evening when a bomb exploded at a crowded football field in the Kabang area of Mubi, Adamawa State.
The blast struck around 6:30pm local time as spectators were leaving after a local match.
According to eyewitnesses, bodies shattered into pieces and shops near the pitch got destroyed while nineteen others were injured.
Local police confirmed the attack but initially gave a lower death toll of 14-18.
However, hospital staff and residents said the morgue was “overcrowded” with more than 40 bodies, including youths and women who had gathered to watch the game.
The Nigerian military said it arrested a “key suspect” the following day. The attack came just one week after a would-be suicide bomber failed to reach a football field in Jos.
NNDRF threatened to declare a sovereign Niger Delta Republic
On June 1, 2019, the Network for Niger Delta Republic Fighters (NNDRF) threatened to declare a sovereign Niger Delta Republic.
Maxwell Dan, NNDRF’s Director of Information, cited insecurity, selective maltreatment, removal of Niger Delta officials and lack of federal projects in the region as factors responsible for its decision.
“The police invasion of Chief Edwin Clark’s home, removal and trial of ex-CJN Justice Walter Onnoghen, sacking of former acting DG of DSS, Matthew Seiyefa, among others were listed”.
In response, President Muhammadu Buhari summoned service chiefs and directed that they must prevent any declaration and track down the militants.
Military laid siege to communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State, other militant groups like The Reformed Niger Delta Avengers (RNDA) opposed it and President Buhari met South-South traditional rulers on May 27, 2019 who allegedly sent metrics to inform the militants to back down.
