HISTORY: MEET THE FOUR NIGERIANS THAT HIJACKED A PLANE WITH TOY GUNS

On the 25th of October 1993, four young men led by teenager Richard Ogunderu (seated right) hijacked Air Nigeria’s Airbus A310.

They were members of the Movement for the Advancement of Democracy (MAD), this was their protest against the annulment of the June 12 elections by IBB.

Armed with toy guns, they hijacked the the flight, which was originally going to Abuja from Lagos.

They intended to fly to Germany but were forced to make a landing in Niamey due to shortage of fuel, passengers, including govt officials would be held hostage for several days.

They separated the civilians from govt officials and released women and children. But eventually, in the cover of night the army stormed the plane and captured the boys.

They spent months in a sweltering hot Niamey jail. They neither spoke French nor Hausa.

For nine years and four months, Richard Ogunderu, Kabir Adenuga, Benneth Oluwadaisi and Kenny Rasaq-Lawal languished in a Niamey jail before they were eventually released.

They learned how to speak French and later returned to Niger to do business after their release.

The boys learned creative arts and fashion designing in the prison. Richard attended the Alliance Francois after his release.

Unfortunately this year, Richard got into a confrontation with some boys in Niger which led to him being injured. He is currently bed ridden.

Obviously, these guys did what they did with strong heart of Nationalism.

This to me couldssimply be describe as a radical move, a strong act and art of protest ever!