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2002 Miss World Riots in Nigeria – How Hundreds were killed because of a Beauty Pageant

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The 2002 Miss World riots were a chain of religiously motivated clashes that engulfed the northern-Nigerian city of Kaduna between November 20th and 23rd, leaving about 250 people dead and several properties destroyed…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

The Miss World beauty pageant, which was scheduled to be held in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria, was moved to London following violent clashes between Muslims and Christians in Nigeria. These clashes were triggered by what some Muslims saw as a “blasphemous” article in THISDAY newspaper which linked the revered Prophet Mohammed to the beauty pageant.

How it Happened

Agbani Darego, a Nigerian model and beauty queen, won the Miss World beauty pageant in 2001, and as a result, Nigeria was selected to host the contest in 2002. However, many Nigerian Muslims, especially in the country’s Northern region, condemned the decision, saying it was intended to promote promiscuity and demoralize female modesty.

Agbani Darego
Agbani Darego crowned Miss World in 2001

The event was originally scheduled to take place in November 2002 but was moved to December 7th of the same year because it coincided with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Brief Information About Amina Lawal

Amina Lawal
Amina Lawal

It should be noted that the Miss World Organization was already under pressure and attack in Nigeria for an entirely different reason. The organizers had opposed the death penalty issued to one Amina Lawal, a young Nigerian woman accused of adultery by an Islamic Sharia court sitting in Zamfara. This opposition did not sit well with the Muslim groups in the state, thus they antagonized the pageant organizers.

The Blasphemous Article

Ninety-two contestants from different countries arrived in Nigeria for the event. To commemorate this feat, Isioma Daniel, a columnist for THISDAY, a national newspaper based in South-Western Lagos, wrote an article on the 16th of November, 2002. In the article, she wrote that Prophet Mohammed would probably have approved of the beauty contest and would have even married one of the contestants.

She wrote, “The Muslims thought it was immoral to bring 92 women to Nigeria and ask them to revel in vanity. What would Mohammed think? In all honesty, he would probably have chosen a wife from one of them.”

This article enraged the Muslim youths in Kaduna and word spread like wildfire. A ‘fatwa’ was issued on Isioma Daniel’s life; she had to resign from work and subsequently flee the country to Benin Republic before being resettled in Norway — where the Committee to Protect Journalists and Amnesty International helped her through the resettlement process.

Isioma Daniel
Isioma Daniel

According to Isioma Daniel, she thought it was “funny and light-hearted” and “didn’t see it as anything anybody should take seriously or cause much fuss”.On the 18th and 19th of November, the newspaper published a retraction on its front page and apologized to the offended Muslims, but it was too late.

They wrote, “With all the responsibility, sensitivity and respect for all Muslims, the staff, management, editors and board of ThisDay Newspaper apologize for the grave editorial error of last Saturday’s Miss World Beauty Pageant… We regret the depiction of the Prophet Muhammad in the comments that were written by one of our staff. It is not only unjustifiable but also very provocative.” READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

The Riots

On the 20th of November, 2002, angry youths stormed THISDAY’s regional office on Attahiru Road in Malali, Kaduna, and burned it to the ground. The newspaper depot and distribution center were also pillaged and destroyed; they set fire to churches and beat bystanders presumed to be Christians while chanting Allahu akbar! (God is great) and No Tazarene! (No beauty contest) for three days.

OldNaija gathered that at no point did the police intervene to stop the violence by the protesters or make any arrests. For three consecutive days, many radical groups expressed their anger at the article, and protests deteriorated into real violence. Muslims assaulted Christians, and Christians responded by attacking Muslims.

Both parties proceeded on a murdering spree, burning and looting properties. Many of those killed were civilians who were not involved in the conflict and were targeted solely because of their religion or ethnicity.

Protesters during the 2002 Miss World Riots in Kaduna
Protesters during the 2002 Miss World Riots in Kaduna

Many Christians were killed and injured; others fled for their lives, leaving behind their homes and valuables. The rioters, armed with various weapons such as machetes, knives, rods, iron bars, and firearms, targeted people based on their religion and sought out Christian homes, particularly in mixed Christian-Muslim areas.

According to reports gathered by OldNaija, some local Hausa Muslims hid Christians in their homes and claimed that Christian houses belonged to them to prevent the angry rioters from burning them.

Later on, the police and military forces were deployed to douse the violence but this was futile at first as rioters kept attacking people even in the presence of the military. It was only on Sunday, November 24th, 2002 that calm gradually returned to Kaduna.

The event organizers, the Miss World Organization and Silver Bird Productions Limited, went to the media and declared that the event would still be held despite the demonstrations and riots. Later, they announced that it had been moved to London, England.

The pageant was held despite all the obstacles. Azra Akin, a Turkish woman, was crowned Miss World 2002 and awarded $156,000.

 

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Senior Police Officer Goes After His Wife After Escaping With His Gun and His Money, Sends a Swarm of Bees to Attack Her

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In the heart of Kirinyaga County, a senior police officer named Inspector Mwangi faced a betrayal that cut deeper than any wound. His wife, Wanjiku, had vanished into the night, taking with her his service gun and a substantial amount of money. The betrayal was not just personal; it was a breach of trust that threatened his career and safety.

Desperate and enraged, Inspector Mwangi knew he needed more than just his police skills to resolve this. He turned to the one person who had never failed him in times of crisis—,,,,,, the renowned traditional healer known for his supernatural interventions…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

Dr. listened intently as Inspector Mwangi recounted his plight. With a calm demeanor, Dr. assured him that justice would be served. He prepared a special ritual, invoking the power of nature to aid in the search for Wanjiku. Within hours, a swarm of bees was dispatched, guided by the mystical forces Dr. Mugwenu had summoned.

As the sun began to set, the bees found their target. Wanjiku, hiding in a remote village, was suddenly surrounded by the buzzing swarm. Panic-stricken, she tried to flee, but the bees were relentless. They stung her repeatedly, driving her to the brink of madness. In her agony, she realized there was no escape from the consequences of her actions. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Barely five hours had passed when Wanjiku returned to Inspector Mwangi’s home, her face swollen and her spirit broken. She fell to her knees, begging for forgiveness, the stolen gun and money clutched in her trembling hands. The bees, having fulfilled their purpose, dispersed into the night.

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Inspector Mwangi, though still hurt by the betrayal, saw the remorse in his wife’s eyes. He knew that the intervention of Dr. Mugwenu had not only brought back his possessions but had also taught Wanjiku a lesson she would never forget. With a heavy heart, he decided to give her a second chance, hoping that their bond could be mended with time and understanding.

 

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Why is every kid peeing in the streets everywhere in China?

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Public urination among children in China has become a growing concern that merits attention and understanding. This trend has raised questions about the underlying causes and social implications of this behavior. This research article aims to shed light on the reasons behind the prevalence of public urination among children in China and its broader societal impact. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

  1. Cultural Factors and Limited Access to Restrooms

China’s rapid urbanization and population density have strained public infrastructure, including the availability of public restrooms. Insufficient access to restrooms in public spaces, such as parks, streets, and recreational areas, often forces children to resort to urinating in public. In some cases, cultural norms and a lack of awareness regarding proper sanitary practices contribute to the persistence of this behavior…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

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Black Girl Saves Old Man from Fire. 24 Hours Later He Brings Lawyers To Her House –

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In a world where heroes often wear capes, sometimes they come in the form of a kind-hearted teenager. Amaya’s split-second decision to rescue her elderly neighbor from a raging fire not only saved a life but set in motion a series of events that would transform her own.

Amaya’s days were a whirlwind of responsibility. She’d wake before dawn, help her younger siblings get ready for school, then rush to catch the bus. After classes, she’d volunteer at the local food bank or tutor kids in the neighborhood…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

 

At night, she’d pore over textbooks, dreaming of becoming a doctor. But dreams cost money, and in Amaya’s tight-knit community, resources were scarce. Cracked sidewalks and peeling paint were common sights, yet the streets buzzed with life and laughter. Amaya’s kindness shone bright—a beacon of hope in a place where hope sometimes felt like a luxury.

Little did Amaya know, her ordinary world was about to be turned upside down. A test of courage awaited her, one that would challenge everything she knew and open doors she never imagined possible. As night fell, a musky, burning scent drifted through Amaya’s open window. What she saw next would force her to make a split-second decision that could cost her everything.

Amaya’s eyes darted from her textbook to the window, her brow furrowing as she tried to place the unfamiliar smell. Smoke. Her heart skipped a beat as she peered out into the darkness. Orange flames flickered in the distance, illuminating the night sky with an eerie glow. It was coming from Mr. Johnson’s house. Time seemed to slow as Amaya processed the scene before her. Mr. Johnson, the quiet elderly man who lived alone, was in danger. She fumbled for her phone, dialing 911 with shaky fingers. The operator’s calm voice offered little comfort as Amaya relayed the situation.

“Help is on the way,” the operator assured her, but Amaya’s gaze remained fixed on the growing inferno. Minutes felt like hours. The fire was spreading fast, consuming the old wooden structure with terrifying speed. A cramping fear crept into her stomach. What if Mr. Johnson was still inside?

Amaya’s mind raced. She thought of her mother working the night shift, her younger siblings sleeping peacefully in the next room, her dreams of becoming a doctor, the scholarship applications waiting to be filled out. But then she remembered Mr. Johnson’s kind smile when she helped him with his groceries, the way he always asked about her studies, encouraging her to reach for the stars. In that moment, Amaya knew what she had to do. Without a second thought, she bolted out the front door.

The cool night air hit her face as she sprinted down the street, her heart pounding in her chest. Neighbors were starting to emerge from their homes, confused and afraid, but Amaya didn’t stop to explain. As she neared Mr. Johnson’s house, the heat intensified. Sweat beaded on her forehead, mixing with the fear and determination etched across her face. The crackling of the flames grew louder, drowning out the distant wail of approaching sirens. Amaya hesitated at the front porch, her hand hovering over the doorknob. This was her last chance to turn back, to wait for the professionals. But a faint cry from inside made her decision for her. Mr. Johnson needed help now.

Taking a deep breath, Amaya pushed open the door. A wall of thick black smoke engulfed her, stinging her eyes and burning her lungs. She dropped to her knees, crawling along the floor where the air was clearer. The familiar layout of the house was now a maze of danger and confusion.

“Mr. Johnson!” Amaya called out, her voice barely audible over the roar of the fire. She strained to hear a response, fear gripping her heart with each passing second. As she inched her way through the living room, a section of the ceiling collapsed behind her. The reality of her situation hit home. This wasn’t a heroic movie scene—this was real danger. But Amaya pressed on, driven by a force stronger than her fear.

Finally, she heard a weak cough coming from the kitchen. There, huddled in the corner, was Mr. Johnson. The old man looked disoriented, his face streaked with soot. Relief washed over Amaya, quickly replaced by urgency. They needed to get out fast.

“Mr. Johnson, it’s Amaya,” she said, grasping his arm. “We have to go now.”

The old man nodded weakly, leaning heavily on Amaya as she helped him to his feet. Together, they stumbled toward the exit, the heat growing more intense with each step. The journey back through the burning house felt like an eternity. Amaya’s lungs screamed for clean air, her eyes watering from the smoke, but she didn’t let go of Mr. Johnson, even as her own strength began to falter. Just when it seemed they might not make it, a gust of fresh air hit Amaya’s face. They burst through the front door, collapsing onto the lawn as firefighters rushed past them.

Amaya gulped in deep breaths, her body shaking with exhaustion and relief. As paramedics swarmed around them, Amaya caught Mr. Johnson’s eye. The gratitude in his gaze spoke volumes. In that moment, she knew she had made the right choice. Whatever consequences lay ahead, she had saved a life—and that was worth everything.

Mr. Johnson was being tended to in an ambulance nearby. Despite the oxygen mask covering his face, Amaya could see the relief in his eyes. She had done it. She had saved him. The reality of her actions began to sink in, and a wave of emotions washed over her. As the chaos around her began to settle, Amaya’s thoughts turned to her family. Her mother would be home soon, and her siblings were still asleep, unaware of the night’s events. How would she explain what had happened? Would her mother be proud of her bravery or angry at her for taking such a risk?

A police officer approached Amaya, notepad in hand.

“Can you tell me what happened here tonight?” he asked gently.

Amaya took a deep breath and began to recount the events that led to her daring rescue. As she spoke, she noticed a crowd gathering around her, listening intently to her story. Among the onlookers, Amaya spotted her next-door neighbor, Mrs. Thompson. The elderly woman’s eyes were wide with disbelief and admiration.

“You’re a hero, Amaya!” Mrs. Thompson called out, her voice cracking with emotion. Others in the crowd nodded in agreement, murmuring words of praise and amazement. Amaya felt a blush creep across her cheeks. She wasn’t used to this kind of attention.

“I just did what anyone would do,” she said softly, looking down at her soot-covered hands. But deep down, she knew that wasn’t true. Not everyone would have risked their life to save another.

As the night wore on, Amaya’s mother arrived, having been notified by the authorities. She rushed to her daughter, enveloping her in a tight embrace. Tears streamed down her face as she alternated between scolding Amaya for her recklessness and thanking God for her safety. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

As dawn broke, the gravity of Amaya’s actions began to sink in. Little did she know, her act of bravery would set off a chain of events that would alter the course of her life forever. The neighborhood stirred to life as the first rays of sunlight peeked over the horizon. The foul smell of smoke still lingered in the air, a stark reminder of the previous night’s events.

Amaya sat on her front porch, wrapped in a blanket, her eyes fixed on the charred remains of Mr. Johnson’s house down the street. Firefighters milled about, ensuring no hidden embers remained. Neighbors gathered in small groups, their voices hushed as they recounted the dramatic rescue. Amaya could feel their eyes on her, a mix of awe and concern in their gazes.

Mrs. Thompson, the elderly woman from next door, approached Amaya with a steaming mug of tea.

“Here, dear,” she said, pressing the warm cup into Amaya’s hands. “You’ve had quite a night.”

Amaya accepted the tea gratefully, the warmth seeping into her still trembling fingers.

“Thank you, Mrs. Thompson,” she murmured, her voice hoarse from the smoke.

“What you did was incredibly brave,” Mrs. Thompson continued, her eyes shining with admiration. “You’re a real hero, Amaya.”

Amaya shifted uncomfortably at the word “hero.” She hadn’t thought about bravery or heroism when she ran into that burning house. All she knew was that Mr. Johnson needed help, and she was there to give it.

“I just did what anyone would do,” Amaya replied softly, looking down at her soot-stained hands.

Mrs. Thompson patted her shoulder gently. “Not everyone would have risked their life like that, dear. You should be proud.”

As the morning wore on, more neighbors stopped by to express their admiration and gratitude. Amaya fielded their questions and accepted their praise with a quiet humility that only seemed to endear her more to the community. Amaya’s mother, who had been speaking with the fire chief, finally made her way back to her daughter’s side. Her eyes were red-rimmed from a mix of worry and pride.

“The chief says Mr. Johnson is going to be okay,” she said, sitting down next to Amaya. “They’re keeping him at the hospital for observation, but he should be released soon.”

Relief washed over Amaya. In all the chaos, she hadn’t had a chance to check on Mr. Johnson’s condition.

“That’s good,” she said, a small smile tugging at her lips.

Her mother wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “He asked about you, you know. Wanted to make sure you were all right.”

Amaya nodded, touched by Mr. Johnson’s concern. She had always known him as a kind, if somewhat reserved, neighbor, but there was something in her mother’s tone that hinted at more.

“There’s something else,” her mother continued, her voice lowering. “The chief mentioned that Mr. Johnson seemed different, like he was trying to tell them something important but couldn’t quite get the words out.”

Amaya furrowed her brow. “Different how?”

Her mother shook her head. “I’m not sure, but I got the feeling there’s more to Mr. Johnson than we know.”

As the day progressed, the excitement in the neighborhood began to die down. Amaya retreated to her room, physically and emotionally exhausted. She fell into a deep, dreamless sleep, unaware of the changes that were about to unfold in her life.

 

 

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