The sun is going away, but don't panic...

[HeadlessBill]

Mar 10, 9:36 AM (ET)

ABUJA (Reuters) - The Nigerian government, anxious to avoid a repeat of riots that marked a solar eclipse in 2001, warned citizens they may suffer "psychological discomfort" during a new eclipse this month but urged them not to panic.

Information Minister Frank Nweke said an eclipse five years ago caused riots in northern Borno state because people did not know why it happened.

"Some people even felt some evil people in their communities were responsible for the eclipse," he said in a statement on Thursday aimed at reassuring Nigerians that the eclipse is expected to darken parts of the country on March 29.

"The eclipse is not expected to have any real damaging effect, only social and psychological discomforts are envisaged," Nweke said.

He did not explain what the discomforts might be.

[Lady Alias]

One would figure there would still be people like that still, but to actually read about it is another thing, I suppouse.
The whole 'full moon = crazy shit' comes to mind.

[hewhoisagod]

there's seasonal affective disorder too. It's why the scandinavian countries have high suicide rates.

[sheramil]

spoilsports. anyone with half a clue in the Nigerian government could have taken advantage of this.

1: wait for next eclipse; don't tell the general public.

2: pay some people to start an anti-government riot on the day.

3: seconds before the eclipse, appear on the balcony and scream to the crowd "Your bad behavior has shamed the sun! the sun hides his face!"

4: eclipse. crowd grows silent.

5: scream out "Father Sun! We sacrifice these evil-doers in your name! Please come back!"

6: shoot random rioters. sun appears.

7: rule as gods.