Biafra Memorial Day 2024: Asaba Massacre: A Tragic Chapter in the Biafra Civil War
On behalf of the Igbo-Biafra Nationalists Movement and the Indigenous People of Igbo Nation for Self-determination, we gather to pay solemn tribute to the valiant Biafra heroes and heroines who sacrificed their lives for the cause of Biafra’s freedom. Their courage and unwavering commitment to the fight for justice and self-determination stand as a beacon of inspiration for us all.
We also take this moment to remember and honor the over 2,000 Igbo-Biafra people who were tragically massacred in Asaba. These innocent souls, deceived and lured into a false sense of security, fell victim to a heinous betrayal. Their deaths underscore the profound injustice and brutality that our people have endured.
In a dark episode of the Biafra Civil War, the Asaba Massacre stands out as a horrifying crime against the Igbo-Biafrans, committed by Nigerian Federal troops. This event occurred in Asaba, now part of Delta State, on October 7, 1967.
The Federal troops entered Asaba around October 5, 1967, and immediately began ransacking homes and executing civilians, accusing them of being Biafran sympathizers. Reports indicate that several hundred innocent men were killed either individually or in groups at various locations across the town.
In an attempt to stop the violence, Asaba leaders urged the townspeople to gather on the morning of October 7 to demonstrate their support for “One Nigeria.” Hundreds of residents, dressed in ceremonial white attire (akwa ocha), paraded along the main street, singing, dancing, and chanting “One Nigeria.”
Upon reaching a junction, the crowd was split: men and teenage boys were separated from women and young children. The males were herded into an open square at Ogbe-Osowa village. There, Federal troops revealed machine guns, and under orders, reportedly from Second-in-Command Maj. Ibrahim Taiwo, they opened fire. By the end of the day, most of the killing had ceased.
The bodies of some victims were recovered by their families and buried at home, but most were disposed of in mass graves without proper rites. Many extended families suffered the loss of numerous men and boys. The Federal troops continued to occupy Asaba for several months, during which time much of the town was destroyed, and numerous women and girls were raped or forcibly married. Many residents fled, only returning when the war ended in 1970.
This tragic event highlights the devastating human cost of the Biafra Civil War and remains a poignant reminder of the atrocities committed during that period.
The Nigerian state has, over the years, been accused of distorting historical events like the Asaba Massacre and the Bakana evacuation to suit its own narrative. By portraying these events in a certain light, the state has often sought to mask its own culpability in the atrocities committed during the war. The Asaba Massacre, in particular, remains a stark example of this. The federal troops’ actions in Asaba were not just an act of war but a targeted ethnic cleansing, a crime against humanity that has long been downplayed in Nigerian history books.
As we commemorate these fallen heroes and heroines, we reaffirm our commitment to the cause for which they paid the ultimate price. Their legacy fuels our resolve to continue striving for a future where the Igbo people can live in peace, dignity, and freedom. We vow to never forget their sacrifices and to keep their memories alive in our hearts and in our struggle.
May their spirits rest in eternal peace, and may their bravery continue to guide us on the path to self-determination and justice for all Igbo people.
NAMES OF VICTIMS OF ASABA MASSACRE THAT TOOK PLACE ON OCTOBER 7TH, 1967.
EZENEI (UMUEZEI)
Mordi Dan Nduka
Mordi Mike Chukwu
Nwabuzor Nduka
Nwabuzor John
Nwanze Nduka
Nwagalanya Nkadi
Oba .G. Ifeanyi
Obiakpani Francis
Odiaka.T. Olikeze
Ogbogu .S. Ikenye
Ojinji Vincent
Ojugbana Onweazu
Okediachi Adigwe
Okediachi Anna
Okediachi Sunday
Okocha .B. Ikenye
Okogba Felix
Okogba Obi
Okolie Azuka
Okonji George
Okonkwo .C. Ike
Okonkwo J. Chike
Eluaka Ike
Okonkwo Sunday
Okonne Ekenem
Okpuno Young
Onwuka Chukwudi
Onwusanya Okolic
Onyeobi Nduka
Abudei Emmanuel
Adaikwusilweze Ikemefuna
Adigwu John
Adigwu Ibe
Chako Ekenemchukwu
Chukwuma .M. Andrew
Chukwuma Michael
Chukwura Ajokwu
Chukwura Michael
Chukwura Andrew
Ebenuwa Obi
Ebenuwa .F. Eloka
Egbuniwe George
Elikwu Okulo
Elikwu Iloba
Elikwu Mgbaze
Eluaka Kanayo
Eluaka Emma
Eluaka Oseloka
Idigbe Michael
Iweze .O. Vincent
Iweze Odiaka
Jideaka .D. Ikobi
Kebodi Clement
Kodjo Bernard
Mabike Juwah .H. Ike
Momah Chuks
Onyia Nduka
Osaji Nwabueze
Rapu Selina
Rapu Amerobi
Uzocchina
Ugba Michael
UGBOMANTA
Anigbogu Nwabuoku
Anigbogu Nnando
Ashiofu Michael
Ashiofu Emeka
Afumade John
Asickwu Samuel
Asickwu Agolum
Chijindu Dan Ofili
Chijindu Egbuna
Chijindu Chukwuka (Alhaji)
Chijindu Ebora
Chiogo Ojinji
Chiogo Ifeanyi
Chukwuma Robert
Efedua Ashikodi
Ezeadiefe Patrick
Ezeadiefe Ojei
Ezcadiefe Michael
Ezeadiefe Joseph Chiweka
Ezeadiefe Chukwuma
Gwamniru Onochie
Igwemma Nwukpo
ljch Ejima
Ijeh Amechi
Ikediachi Okeleke
Ikediashi Wilson
Iwcobi
Madu Escaluka
Maduemezia Sunday
Maduemezia .N. Okafor
Malechi Okwuoyo
Mgbeze Robert
Moweta Oklic
Ndozi.O. Egbert
Nduka Obiozor Sunday
Nwajei Pius George
Nwajei Alphonsus
Nwajei Felix
Nwanna Thomas
Obiazor Sunday
Obiazor Olisajindu
Obimgba Sylvester Ogbogu
Obodocchina Dustan
Odiachi Edwin (Captain)
Odiachi Oseloka
Odiachi Nwabueze
Odiachi .O. Obi
Odu Nwosu
Okafor Madu
Okolie Young
Okolotu Ogbuonye
Okolotu Paul Idoko
Okolo Alphonsus
Okolo Ojci
Okozala Ononye
Okwuegbuna Nwanze
Okwuegbuna Eze
Okwudi Gabriel
Okwudi Ogwudili
Onianwa Simon Udemba
Onianwa Nkadi
Onianwa Mmonwokwu
Onukwu Anthony Nwaze
Onwuegbuzia Nduka Obiyalu
Ugoh Okotubo
Ukanwa Mathias
Uriah Chike Paul
Uriah Emmanuel
Uriah Adigwe
Uwaje Gabriel
Uwaje Onochic
Uzor .C. Mike
Uzor Adolphus Asiekwu
AGU (UMUAGU)
Anyanwu George Adigwe
Anyakwo Wilson
Awolor Henry Nwobi
Awolor Okolo Nwobi
Biosah Eminian
Chichi Daniel
Chichi Ikemba
Dozie Edwin
Dozie Ifechukwukwu
Egbufua Chike
Efianya Nwogbanje
Ogueshi Efianya H. S.
Igbeka Martins
Isichei Peter
Konwea Okoji
Mokolo Joseph
Njoteah Chief Ezenla
Anyameluhor.S. Nwabuoku
Anyameluhor .O.
Nwafor David
Nwoko Peter
Obiese Nwadie
Odiaka Ogbu
Odiaka Jacob Ashimedua
Odiak Vincent Chukwudebe
Ogodiazi Young
Ojei Odimma
Okalo Augustine
Okobi Joseph
Okonji .U. Modozia
Okwuosa Daniel
Oliko Ambrose Odogwu
Oliko Nwokolo
Onochei Emmanuel
Onyeamunwuli Bernard
Oyana Akazua
Oyana Uwaegbunma
Oyana Nwabueze
Sidi Hycinth
Ujenna Okonji Modozia
AJAJI (UMUAJI)
Abudei Godwin
Ajufoh Obi
Akwule Cyril
Dr (SMO) Akwule Eugene
Akwule Titus
Allanah Eugene Akazua
Anene Chukwurah
Arinze Ndudi
Attoh Francis
Biachi Henry
Biachi Paul Okeke
Obimgba Godwin
Chidi Lawrence
Biachi Ukpolo
Chime Vincent Ike
Chukwumah Adigwe
Chukwumah Henry Obi
Egbuniwe Onochie
Egbuniwe Ike
Ezefodu J. E.
Eziuno Rose
Enyenabo Augustine
Enyenabo Patrick
Gwam Gibson Tony
Gwam G. W.
Gwam A. Lawrence
Guwyenga Apele Okolie
Halim Joseph
Halim Nwachukwu
Idigbe .A. Alex (MBE)
Idigbe Okolic
Ijeh Oseloka
Isichei Emmanuel
Isichei .S. Leo
Isichei Nwosu
Isichei Okulo Ojei
Isichei Oseloka
Isichei .N. Rufus
Iwebi Sunday Ignatius
Iwenofu Richard
Juwah George
Juwah Dada
Juwah Edward
Juwah Onuorah Andrew
Monu Cyril John
Monu Albert Uzoka
Monu Daniel
Mordi D. N.
Mordi G. N.
Asiodu Sydney
Mordi George
Nduka Eze Eziuno
Njotea Peter
Nwafor Okwueshika
Nwalupue Emmanuel
Nwalupue Gabriel
Nwanukwu Walter
Nwanukwu Leonard
Nwanze Paul
Nwanze Utomi
Nworji Joseph
Nwoko Young
Nwokolo Akaju Mordi
Nwokolo David
Nwokolo Joseph Mordi
Nwokolo T. C.
Nwosa Chike
Nwosa James
Nwosa Joseph
Nwaso Nwokocha
Obimgba Michael Boy
Odiwe Omobi
Odiwe Sunday
Odiwe.O. Silson
Ogosi Kanebi (BOB CHINEKE)
Ogosi Raymond
Ogosi.O. Medua
Ogosi Nnaeke
Ogbueshi Michael Ikemefuna Okobi
Ogbueshi E.I. Abudei
Ogbueshi P.O. Chukwuedo
Ogbueshi J.N. Isichei
Ojogwu Chukwuji
Ojogwu E. O.
Ojogwu Moses
Ojogwu Nnaji
Ojogwu Oliver
Ojogwu Omohan Mike
Ojogwu Samuel
Ojogwu F. A. Simon
Okafor Mma
Okafor Sunday
Okolie .N. Albert
Okolie Azuka
Okolie Okotubo
Okolo Joseph
Okonji Sunday Okwugwonu
Okonkwo Gold
Omoke .C. Ibe
Omoke .C. Richard (BL)
Onochei Ngozi Onyeabo Victor
Onyemenam Azubuyike
Onyemenam .K. Chiweta
Onyemenam Nyemike
Onyemenam Umechukwu Okafor
Onyemenam Uzor
Tolefe Gab Okonkwo
Wemembu Anamlia
Wemembu Awubu
Wemembu Obi Okocha
Wemembu Patrick Agu
Okolie Albert Nwokocha
UMUONAJE
Alumona Ojume
Anukwu G. N.
Anukwu Okalo
Apiti Samuel
Ashiogwu Fidelis
Ashiogwu C. O. Henry
Azikiwe Okeleke
Chacha.C. Andrew
Chacha Ejima
Chacha Nwokafor
Chacha Samuel
Echenua .C. Nwodigwe
Chiadikadibia .M. Amechi
Chidi Peter Mordi Sr.
Chidi Nkwuka
Chidi Oyibo
Chidi Thomas
Chidi Chiejina
Chukwura Christian
Chukwura .E. David
Chukwura Edwin
Oduah Emmanuel
Ogbogu Chike
Ogbogu Nwike
Ogbogu Maddocks
Ogbuka Oyekaomenazua
Ojea Francis Ogugua
Ogbueshi Odogwu
Ojogwu Joseph
Ojogwu Michael
Ojugbana P. N.
Okobi Ngozi
Okocha Ölenu
Okolo Nwabunwanne
Okolo Nkadi
Ogbueshi Okogwu L. N.
Okonji Obi Okwugwonu
Okonji Okwudili Fidelis
Okonji Nwokonkwo
Okonji Ifeanyi
Okonta Augustine
Okonta Azikwe
Okonta Fidelis Nduka
Okonta Ikechukwu
Okonta James Nwokonkwo
Okonta Mathias
Okonta Uwandulu
Okwuobi Akaeze
Okwuobi Obi
Okwuraiwe Isito Okafor
Okwuraiwe Nwanze
Olokpo
Onwuachi Olinugwo
Onwudiachi Sunday
Onwudinjo Azuka
Onwudinjo Iloba
Onwudinjo .E. John
Onwudinjo Paul
Onwudinjo S. L.
Osadebe Matthew
Philips E .C. (MBE.JP)
Ude George Okocha
Ugbaja Charles
Ugboko John
Ugboko Adimefe
Ugboko Eloka
Unokanjo Chukwuma
Utomi Ngozi
Utomi Nwekeze
Utomi Ogugua
Utomi Onwuka
Uwaje Sunday
Mowah Benji
Ndah Ogom
Njokanma
Okonkwo Ngozi
Okonkwo .O. Nduka
Nkadi Onochei
Nkeonyeshita S. N.
Nobea Henry Nwokocha
Nsugbe Eddie T. C.
Nwabuonwu Nweke
Nwosa Adimuonye
Nwosa Onwuka
Nwabunwanne Ogugua
Nwandu Gabriel
Nwanukwu James
Nwatamelinkea
Nwodigwe Chikadibia
Nwokolo Nwabucze
Nwosisi Robert
Nwokocha S. E.
Obianaba Nwani
Obiago Obiajulu
Obioji Iweago
Obiugbor Williams
Odiaka Mike
Odita Paschal Agbosso
Odogwu F. C. O.
Odogwu Nwanze Obi
Chukwura Mgbeke Onwufuju
Diabua Ifeanyi
Egegbua .N. Robert
Eboka Augustine
Egbuniwe A. M.
Enenmuo Okonji
Ekiaka Samuel Eloka
Harry John
Igbodo Okoh
Igogo Okoli
Igwemuna Philip
Ijeh Emmanuel Tropical
Ijeh Sunday Tropical
Ikiliagwu Momo
Iloje Eboha
Iloje Onochei
Izediuno Martin
Keshi Okonji
Mgbeze Ogbogu
Mike Amechi
Monyei Joseph Kanayo
Monyei Godwin Okeleke
Molokwu Sunday
Mordi Chukwuemeka
Mordi Christopher Gloria
Mordi.T. Glory
Mowah Obi Okonkwo
Nwanze Mike
Ogbogu Adigwe Onyecheneliechi
SIGNED:
EDOZIUNO CHUKWUNONSO
Spokesperson,
Igbo-Biafra Nationalists Movement and the Indigenous People of Igbo Nation for Self-determination
Asaba Massacre: A Tragic Chapter in the Biafra Civil War
