50 YEARS ON: REMINISCING ON THE NIGERIAN CIVIL WAR

WARNING! Some of the pictures attached are graphic. Viewers discretion is advised!

I can't believe I finally got myself to write on this subject. I had deliberately decided not to make any statement about all of these, not like I had any magic words though. But beginning with the May 30 2017 curfew declared by easterners in the south southern and especially south eastern regions of Nigeria, to the October 1 ultimatum by the Northern youth in retaliation to what they considered a breach of the constitution and citizens right to freedom of movement and association, and the mounting agitations for secession, here I am, asking myself the very same questions you might also be finding answers to...

On Thursday, July 6th 2017, which coincidentally happened to be my birthday, Nigeria marked exactly 50 years since the declaration of military action against the Republic of Biafra by the General Yakubu Gowon led Federal Military Government on the 6th of July 1967. The next 30months from this date witnessed what has till date accounted for the bloodiest and most devastating conflict since the history of the entity called Nigeria. This antecedent is particularly significant especially in the wake of the recent and growing call for secession by the Igbo's to create a Republic of Biafra, and the many waters that are getting troubled thereby.

Having conscientiously built what many, and even he called 'the biggest army in black Africa', Ojukwu was convinced that a war would bring the freedom needed to emancipate the Igbo's from oppression, marginalization, deprivation (all of which are claims of today's Biafra agitation) by the Nigerian government. The war was full scale; approximately 915 days (sunset and sunrise) of bleak hopes, maimed bodies, sour experiences, whether they knew or not the issues resulting in the war, or whether or not they were in support of it. Even Biafran women were at the mercy of Biafran soldiers, children were coerced into combatant roles, older men and women were left vulnerable to flying aimless, and most times targeted grenades and bullets. Having expended two and half years, approximately 5million dollars and loosing close to two million lives, the Biafran leader; for whatever reason, left his soldiers on the battle field and sort asylum abroad, bringing an end to the Civil War, with Biafra defeated. The 'gains' and 'spoils' of the war are subject to whatever arguments you have of them.

Wars, some consider as 'continuation of politics by other means', some others as 'a process for making peace'. Whatever the understanding, regardless the rationale for them, wars are ALWAYS initiated by and serve 'a few' interests, as opposed to those of the masses. The recent Biafra agitations, as apt and timely as they may be thought to be, require more diplomacy than irrationality, more dialogue than conflict. Regardless how beautiful the Biafran dream, it shouldn't be built on the blood of Biafrans themselves, neither is the Unity of Nigeria worth any Nigerian life...

50 years down the line, the sad stories of this unfortunate conflict continue to be told in homes, schools and indeed everywhere across the state, it's ugly scars are still visible even in the economic, political and social life. The question however is, have the lessons being learnt? Your guess is as good as mine.

I wish both Nigeria and the IPOB the very best in the days and months ahead.

"If it be possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men".