As a film enthusiast with a background in sociology, I found “Hijack ’93” to be a profound and thought-provoking cinematic experience. Growing up in a family that migrated from Nigeria, I’ve always been aware of the struggles faced by the people there, especially under oppressive regimes.
Netflix’s freshly debuted historical drama, titled “Hijack ’93,” offers a gripping 90-minute journey that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The story revolves around four courageous teenagers who attempt to hijack a Nigerian Airways plane as a form of protest against a brutal and militarized government regime. Determined to ensure a peaceful transition of power to the leader elected by the people, a Social Democratic Party candidate, the characters Omar (Nnamdi Agbo), Ben (Allison Emmanuel), Dayo (Akinsola Oluwaseyi), and Kayode (Adam Garba) make a dangerous threat to set fire to the aircraft.
Drawing upon the actual event of a plane hijacking following the cancelled 1993 election in Nigeria, director Robert Peters skilfully merges fact with fiction within his portrayal. By creating empathetic characters who are prepared to go to great lengths to express their views and dialogues that delve into the complexities between what’s right and what’s wrong, the film primarily aims at exploring the fear and subtlety of morality rather than sticking strictly to historical accuracy. As a result, viewers are left pondering not only the chilling real-life events depicted in Hijack ’93, but also the socio-political hardships that drove the hijackers to such an extreme form of protest.
The True Story Behind Hijack ’93
In the 1980s and 1990s, I found myself living in a Nigeria that was deeply troubled, with social and political upheaval being the norm. The military coup of 1983, which toppled President Shehu Shagri’s government despite the people’s vote, set the stage for a series of military takeovers. However, there was a glimmer of hope in 1993 when the citizens were finally allowed to vote after a decade-long hiatus. The charismatic Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola (MKO Abiola) of the Social Democratic Party won with an overwhelming majority, garnering over eight million votes. Unfortunately, the voice of the people was silenced once again as the election results were annulled, and yet another military regime took power under the guise of maintaining security.
As these dictatorships ruled, the country suffered extreme violence under their control, as well as an ever-increasing wealth gap, putting them on the brink of civil war
. In opposition, a rebel group called The Movement for Democracy formed. Unable to make social change through their votes, the organization began waging a war against their oppressors, seeking fair and free elections.
On Oct. 25, 1993, four teenage party members (Benneth Oluwadaisi, Kabir Adenuga, Richard Ogunderu, and Kenny Rasaq-Lawal) hijacked an Airbus A310 of Nigerian Airways
without enough fuel to make it to their destination in Germany, the plane was forced to land in Niger
they quickly released everyone except for the Nigerian government officials
the hijackers were instead arrested, tried, and served nine-year sentences in Niger
The hijackers’ message for social change was heard around the world, but power in Nigeria was still taken by a newly appointed dictator, General Sani Abacha until 1998
Does the Plot of Hijack ’93 Follow Real Events?
In the style of recounting the true events of an airplane hijacking, ‘Hijack ’93’ narrates the tale of four young individuals who were part of The Movement for the Advancement of Democracy. These teenagers seized control of a Nigerian Airways plane in 1993, with weapons hidden by a clandestine crew member. Driven by ongoing neglect and mistreatment from the government, they aimed to convey their message through this audacious act, seeking to install their Social Democratic Party leader after the illegal nullification of election results. However, upon being compelled to land in Niger for refueling, the Nigerian military intervened to prevent them from taking off again.
For more than three days, the hijackers held passengers and crew captive, making threats to either open fire with hidden weapons or ignite the plane if their demands weren’t met by the government. Throughout this time, viewers witnessed a mix of escalating tension and character development. Some military personnel on board tried to combat the hijackers, a woman gave birth, the Nigerian military apprehended and mistreated the relatives of the hijackers, and a passenger was inadvertently shot by Ben in a bout of anger.
Caught amidst tense sequences, I find myself learning about the personal histories of these hijackers. Ben endured physical abuse at the hands of his father, Omar lost his mother due to lack of medical care despite his fervent prayers, Dayo mourns the death of his young daughter, a victim of gun violence, and Kayode bears the scars of what appears to be brutal treatment by the Nigerian military. This insight into their pasts stirs feelings of compassion in me as I witness their struggle for change, their desperation against extreme oppression, and their courage to take drastic action.
In his movie, Director Robert Peters draws upon authentic events but creatively alters the identities, backgrounds, and tense moments aboard the aircraft. The actual hijackers did not interact with any crew members (the weapon used to enter the cockpit was a harmless toy), no one gave birth during the flight, and none of the passengers who were not Nigerian government officials were held captive for over a day or harmed. Contrary to what the film suggests, the hijackers did not surrender; instead, they were apprehended after storming the plane under armed guard.
Hijack ’93 Highlights the Nuance of Fighting for Good
As a passionate cinephile, I’d describe “Hijack ’93” as a movie that masterfully weaves historical events with dramatic storytelling to mirror society’s unwavering perspective on morality, particularly when facing adversity. The film instantly plunges viewers into a perilous scenario involving the passengers and hijackers. The air is thick with tension, guns are brandished, and from the outset, the hijackers are portrayed as the villains orchestrating the chaos.
As the movie unfolds, its characters evolve from simple, flat antagonists into complex individuals. Initially portrayed as villains, they transform into compassionate figures who prioritize the safety and well-being of their fellow passengers. Instead of being self-serving elites, they advocate for a society where prosperity is shared equally among all, rather than just a privileged few. Their actions are fueled by painful past experiences, which lead them to resort to violence not out of malice, but as a desperate response to the injustices they have endured throughout their lives. In essence, they are portrayed as individuals driven by a desire for change and justice, rather than pure evil.
The movie concludes by depicting the characters being apprehended and brought to justice, much like the real-life hijackers. Despite their homeland’s ongoing military rule, they emerged as heroes in the eyes of their people. They embodied the spirit of standing up against oppression and defending those who are helpless. You can watch it on Netflix.
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2024-10-31 04:31