2020: An unprecedented season of unexpected events

By Hollins Esegba

FROM the novel Coronavirus knocking the world and humanity real hard, to a widespread outcry against Gender-Based Violence, then campaign against Police Brutality, as articulated in the #EndSARS with extension to #EndBadGovernance, #ReformNigeria and #RstructureNigeria…  2020 has indeed been a season of intrigues and the unexpected.

Indeed, the series of life events readjusted the ink of history in a sweet-sour manner. No one saw them coming.

Here is a brief on the major events as they unfolded:

January

The year commenced with fresh cases of Lassa fever reported in some parts of the country.

Killings and bombings perpetrated by Islamist terrorists, Boko Haram, heralded the month immediately after the New Year celebration.

A 200l student of the University of Maiduguri, Ropvil Dalep, was abducted by the terrorists on January 9, while returning to school, and executed by a child soldier in a video that went viral.

The World Health Organization (WHO) first announced the Coronavirus outbreak on Jan. 9, stating that the deadly virus had surfaced in Wuhan, China.

********

February

Nigeria recorded its index case of Covid-19 in Lagos with other neighbouring states confirming first cases and tracing contacts.

There were multiple attacks by Boko Haram terrorists including in Auno, Borno State, where over 30 people were killed, women and children kidnapped at night.

A video showing the execution of a branch chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Michika local government of Adamawa State, Rev. Lawan Andimi, by a child soldier of the Boko Haram sect, surfaced on the internet barely a month after his kidnap in January.

********

March

The federal government announced the lockdown of Lagos, Abuja and Kaduna on March 29, while other states issued a similar order. Social distancing and the compulsory use of face masks became the new normal.

The Emir of Kano, His royal Majesty, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi was dethroned by the Governor of the Kano State, Dr. Ganduje.

A pipeline explosion rocked Festac Town in Lagos, leaving 15 people dead, many injured and properties destroyed.

The Academic Staff of University Union (ASUU) began an indefinite strike on March 23, an action which lasted till December.

******

April

The death of chief of Staff to President Buhari, Abba Kyari after Covid-19 complications reiterated Nigeria’s battle with the global pandemic.

Gunmen killed at least 47 persons in multiple villages in Katsina State.

Ogun State witnessed the looting of shops and robbing of people.

Lagos State residents attacked by suspected hoodlums left a deep scar.

******

May

The number of mysterious deaths in Kano State rose, but the state Governor argued they were not Covid-19 related.

Over 65 persons were killed by gunmen in villages in Sokoto State.

A similar attack also occurred in Katsina State.

The death of an unarmed black man, George Floyd, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA after being pinned down by a white police officer, sparked reactions and sympathy across Nigeria.

The #BlackLivesMatter and #IcantBreathe made the rounds.

*******

June

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala gets nominated for World Trade Organization DG.

A series of protests erupted against Gender-based violence after reported cases had soared in 23 states between March, April and May, with the raping and killing of a 22-year old UNIBEN student, Uwadia Vera on May 27, which triggered reactions from the international communities.

More than 80 residents were massacred in the village of Gubio, Borno State.

Health Minister affirmed Covid-19 as responsible for over 50% of Kano’s 1000+ mysterious deaths.

The month also recorded the arrest of Instagram influencer, Hushpuppi, over claims of $350m global cybercrime.

******

July

Two civilians, including a five-year old baby, lost their lives after Boko Haram terrorists shot down a UN helicopter.

Nigeria mourned her first-ever female combat helicopter pilot, Tolulope Arotile, who died after she was hit by her secondary schoolmate in a road accident.

EFCC boss, Ibrahim Magu, was arrested over financial corruption charges.

Prof. Pondei slumps during N81bn NDDC probe by House of Representative Committee.

The anticipated BBNaija TV Show kicked off.

********

August

Akinwunmi Adeshina re-elected President of the African Development Bank Group after receiving 100% of the votes.

An overnight attack was carried out by Boko Haram terrorists killing 75 elders in Gwoza, Maiduguri.

The Federal Government approved International flights from Lagos and Abuja to resume after four months.

Black Panther actor, Chadwick Boseman, died in his home after battling with colon cancer for 4 years.

******

September

Laycon emerged winner of the BBNaija TV Show

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC engaged the federal government over the announced increase of electricity tariff and pump price.

15 persons killed in a terrorist attack on Gov. Zulum’s convoy.

A tanker explosion in Kogi killed 10.

Another tanker explosion same event left scores injured in Lagos with properties destroyed.

******

October

#EndSARS protesters home and abroad took to social media and the streets in different parts of the country to demonstrate against Police Brutality and extrajudicial killings.

The military reportedly shot at peaceful protesters at the Lekki tollgate.

Victims of Police brutality testified before panels of enquiries.

Anarchy, riots, looting of warehouses containing reportedly hoarded Covid-19 palliatives, and shops and houses containing personal properties dominated news headlines.

The U.S SEAL Team conducted a successful rescue operation in Northern Nigeria for an American hostage kidnapped in Niger Republic.

*******

November

Outbreak of a strange disease at Kogi which was later identified as Yellow Fever, claiming many lives

Nigerian-Americans, Nnamdi Chukwuocha and Oye Owolewa win political offices in the United States.

Nigeria slips into recession for the second time in five years.

Northeast Nigeria also recorded the year’s deadliest terrorist attack in Jere LGA, Borno State, where over 107 were massacred by suspected terrorists.  

*******

December

Nigeria recorded a new variant of the Coronavirus, as she entered the second wave of the pandemic.

344 Kankara Schoolboys kidnapped in Katsina State and later rescued after six days in captivity.

A series of kidnappings, banditry and killings occurred, including the execution of over 40 rice farmers in Borno State by Boko Haram terrorists.

ASUU called off their ongoing nine-month strike, its longest strike since 1999.