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How and Why “Unknown Soldiers” Attacked Fela’s Home, Kalakuta Republic, in 1977

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Kalakuta Republic was the home of the late musician and political activist, Fela Anikulapo Kuti. The commune, located at No. 6 Agege Motor Rd., Moshalashi, Lagos, enclosed Fela’s recording studio, nightclub and a private clinic which was operated by his younger brother, Beko Ransome-Kuti. The two‐storey yellow building also housed Fela’s family and band members…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

The name ‘Kalakuta‘ was a parody of Calcutta prison in India where Fela served a sentence in 1974 for possessing marijuana which many believed was politically motivated. Fela declared Kalakuta an independent republic from Nigeria due to his hatred for the then military government which he believed ruled Nigerians with dishonesty. Having a republic inside a republic did not go down well with the military government.

Military men outside Kalakuta republic
Military men outside Kalakuta Republic

Fela’s relationship with the military government deteriorated when he released a best-selling track titled ‘Zombie’ which mocked Nigerian soldiers. The song gained nationwide attention which angered the military government of Olusegun Obasanjo. A line of the song says, “Zombie no go walk unless you tell am to walk“, i.e., a zombie (fool) won’t walk unless commanded.

Download Zombie by Fela Kuti

Their already strained relationship got severed on a fateful day when two of Fela’s boys got in a heated argument with a military police officer for driving one of Fela’s vehicle which had no plate number at the front; this was on the 18th of February, 1977. Fela’s boys, identified as Segun Adams and Segun Ademola, argued that since there was a plate number at the back, they would not let the officer impound the vehicle.

Fela’s boys drove away as the argument got intense. Some military men chased them to Kalakuta Republic but were denied entrance. This infuriated the military men and they set fire to the generator that powered Kalakuta Republic and cut its electric fence as well, then called for back up to fully invade the commune.

Fela Kuti explaining a point to Mr. Justice Anya after the Kalakuta raid
Fela Kuti explaining a point to Mr. Justice Anya after the Kalakuta raid

Shortly after, about one thousand soldiers arrived with machine guns. Stampede ensued in Kalakuta Republic as the soldiers mercilessly beat its occupants including Fela and his brother. Fela’s brother, Beko, claimed they were almost killed during the attack. Women were beaten and molested. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Fela’s mother, Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti was beaten and thrown from an upstairs window. She eventually died from the injuries she sustained during the attack. The soldiers set fire to the commune which razed to ashes in no time.

Fela being rushed to the hospital after he was beaten by soldiers
Fela being rushed to the hospital after he was beaten by soldiers

Properties worth millions of Naira were destroyed; most of Kalakuta’s 60 occupants were in the hospital and so were a number of innocent bystanders who ran past the flames with their arms held straight in the air, a gesture of surrender, but were clubbed anyway by drunken, red-eyed soldiers. It was indeed a horrible day for Fela and his family. People believed that Fela’s beef with the military government culminated in the attack on Kalakuta Republic.

Fela and band members during a dance rehearsal at Kalakuta Republic | TheNetNG
Fela and band members during a dance rehearsal at Kalakuta Republic

However, the Kutis did not let the military go away with their assault. They filed a N25 Million lawsuit against the Nigerian military. The Kutis’ lawyer, Mr Tunji Braithwaite, handled the case brilliantly but eventually lost to the military government on the ground that the soldiers who attacked Kalakuta Republic were unknown soldiers. Thus the case was dismissed!

Kalakuta Republic in ashes
Kalakuta Republic in ashes

An infuriated Fela who later lost his mother as a result of the attack carried a replica of her coffin to the Dodan military barracks and dropped it off. He later released a song titled ‘Coffin for Head of State’ in 1980 which narrated the attack on Kalakuta and the death of his mother.

Fela and his mother, Olufunmilayo Ransome-Kuti
Sad faces of Fela Kuti and his mother, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Ransome Kuti, during the probe on the Kalakuta attack

The military government of Olusegun Obasanjo revoked the Kutis’ Certificate of Occupancy of the commune. The site of the demolished Kalakuta Republic is now occupied by a school, named after Fela’s original surname: Ransome-Kuti Memorial Grammar School.

 

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7 Apps That You Should Delete Your Smartphone To Prevent Your Phone From Being Hacked

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In today’s digital landscape, smartphones have become integral to our daily lives. However, their ubiquity comes with considerable security risks if they are not properly protected. Various applications can inadvertently expose personal information to hackers, underscoring the importance of identifying and removing those that may jeopardize your security. To enhance your cybersecurity, consider deleting the following seven types of apps from your smartphone:

1. Third-Party App Stores

While official app stores like Google Play Store and Apple App Store implement robust security measures, third-party app stores often lack such scrutiny. Applications sourced from these alternative platforms can be riddled with malware, providing an easy entry point for hackers to access your sensitive data…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

2. Social Media Apps

Despite their popularity, social media applications frequently require extensive permissions that can compromise your personal information. Hackers may exploit vulnerabilities within these platforms to access private data. It’s wise to limit your engagement with social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, or Snapchat and to regularly review their privacy settings to ensure your information remains protected.

3. Outdated Apps READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Applications that are not regularly updated may harbor unpatched security vulnerabilities, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals. To safeguard your smartphone, consistently update your apps or remove those that no longer receive updates from their developers.

4. Free VPN Apps

Although Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) can significantly bolster your online security, many free VPN applications engage in practices such as collecting and selling user data to third parties. If you currently rely on a free VPN service, consider transitioning to a reputable paid option that emphasizes user privacy and maintains a strict no-log policy.

5. Game Apps with Excessive Permissions

Many mobile games request unnecessary permissions, such as access to your contacts or location, which can lead to unauthorized data collection and heightened hacking risks. If a game requests excessive access, it’s prudent to delete it to protect your personal information.

 

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5 Foods That Damage Intestine

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The health of our intestines plays a crucial role in overall well-being. However, certain foods can negatively impact gut health, potentially leading to inflammation, digestive issues, and long-term damage. Here are five foods that can harm the intestines:

1. Processed Foods

Processed foods, especially those high in refined sugars and unhealthy fats, are among the worst offenders when it comes to gut health. These foods often lack fiber, which is essential for healthy digestion. Moreover, the additives, preservatives, and artificial sweeteners used in many processed products can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria. A diet high in processed foods can lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, contributing to conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and leaky gut…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

2. Fried Foods*m

Fried foods, such as fast food, chips, and fried snacks, contain trans fats and acrylamide, a substance formed when foods are cooked at high temperatures. These foods can irritate the lining of the intestines and contribute to chronic inflammation. Over time, this inflammation can weaken the gut’s ability to absorb nutrients and protect against harmful bacteria, which can lead to digestive problems and increased risk of diseases like Crohn’s disease.

3. Dairy Products

For many people, dairy products can cause digestive distress due to lactose intolerance or sensitivities to casein, a protein found in milk. When individuals with these sensitivities consume dairy, they may experience bloating, gas, and diarrhea. In the long run, consuming large amounts of dairy can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria and lead to intestinal discomfort or inflammation, particularly in people who are already sensitive to dairy. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

4. Red Meat

While red meat is a source of protein and essential nutrients, excessive consumption can negatively affect gut health. The high fat content in red meat can be difficult for the digestive system to break down, leading to constipation and bloating. Additionally, red meat contains compounds that can promote the growth of harmful gut bacteria and contribute to inflammation, which is associated with conditions like colorectal cancer.

5. Alcohol

Alcohol can be highly detrimental to the intestines, especially when consumed in excess. It irritates the gastrointestinal tract, leading to inflammation and disrupting the gut’s protective lining. Chronic alcohol consumption can also impair the balance of gut microbiota, promoting the growth of harmful bacteria and increasing the permeability of the intestinal walls, which is linked to leaky gut syndrome. This, in turn, can increase the risk of food sensitivities, inflammation, and digestive disorders.

In conclusion, maintaining a healthy gut requires careful attention to diet. Avoiding or minimizing the consumption of processed foods, fried items, dairy (for those sensitive to it), red meat, and alcohol can help protect the intestines and ensure better digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall gut health.

 

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4 Signs Your Ex Still Loves You

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When navigating the aftermath of a breakup, it can be difficult to discern whether your ex still has feelings for you. However, there are several key signs that may suggest your ex still loves you:

1. Frequent Communication: If your ex frequently reaches out, whether to check in or simply to chat, it could indicate lingering feelings. Even casual conversations or texts about mundane topics suggest they’re still invested in your life…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

2. Jealousy or Protectiveness: If your ex seems to show jealousy when you talk about other romantic interests or becomes protective of you, it may be a sign that they still care deeply about you. This can manifest in subtle ways, such as expressing concern about you dating someone else or displaying discomfort when someone else shows interest.

3. Maintaining Physical Closeness: Physical proximity, even in a non-romantic setting, can reveal emotional attachment. If your ex continues to find reasons to be near you, engage in physical touch like hugs, or seeks excuses to spend time alone with you, it often means that their feelings are far from gone. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

4. Regret and Nostalgia: If your ex frequently brings up fond memories from your relationship, it might indicate that they miss what you had. This could involve them reminiscing about good times or even admitting that they regret the breakup. They may still be processing unresolved emotions and might secretly wish for reconciliation.

These signs do not guarantee that your ex still loves you in a romantic way, but they do suggest that their feelings haven’t completely faded. Understanding these signals can help you evaluate the potential for rekindling a relationship or moving on.

 

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