Remembering the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970) and Why Another War Should be Avoided

• The Nigerian civil war, also known as the Biafran was a three year conflict between Nigerian tribes

• The war resulted in the death of 1 million people, mostly women, and children

• Another war of that caliber at this point could prove to be more destructive

Everyone should share my notion that wars are destructive and should be avoided at all costs.

Nigeria has however had its fair share of wars and one that remains fresh in our mind is the Nigerian-Biafran war.

Introduction

The Nigerian civil war began in 1967, seven years after Nigeria gained independence from Britain.

It started following the declaration of an independent country by the Igbo people, called the “Republic of Biafra”.

The Nigerian civil war lasted 3 years and caused the death of over 1 million people, mostly women, and children.

How it started

In 1966, they launched a coup under the command of Major-General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi.

They aimed to prevent political disharmony in the country.

Following the coup, there was suspicion that the were Igbos becoming dominant among Hausa and Fulani Muslims in the north.

The Yorubas in the west shared the same thoughts with the Hausas and they joined forces to plan a counter-coup.

How it became bloody

Following the murder of many top Hausa politicians, The leader of the counter-coup, General Yakubu Gowon took strong measures.

This led to the massacre of the Igbo population that was scattered across the country.

This triggered a move by a section of the Igbo tribe to form the Republic of Biafra in 1967.

Attack on Biafra

A short while after the independence, the Nigerian federal government launched an attack on Biafra in Lagos.

The nation was attacked with aerial and artillery that led to the loss of many Biafran lives.

The Navy also established a blockade, denying Biafra access to weapons, food, and medical supplies.

Despite the shortage of resources and lack of international backing, Biafra refused to surrender.

War end

Biafra’s lack of support and weapons allowed the Nigerian army to take back territory little by little.

On January 15, 1970, Biafra surrendered after commander General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu escaped to Cote d’Ivoire.

During the Nigerian civil war, it is estimated that 3000 to 5000 people died daily.

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It is evident that a similar war at this time will have result in more collateral damage.

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