Former Nigerian military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), has shed light on the events that led to the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), revealing that the failure of then-Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, to fulfill his promise to protect the Igbo people was a key factor in the crisis.
The Broken Promise and Rising Tensions
During a recent interview, Babangida explained that after the 1966 coup and counter-coup, which resulted in the assassination of then-Head of State General Aguiyi-Ironsi, Gowon assured the Igbo community that their lives and properties would be safeguarded in Nigeria. However, according to IBB, this promise was not fulfilled, leading to a further breakdown in trust between the Eastern Region and the Nigerian government.
Babangida pointed out that the failure to protect Igbos from targeted killings and violence, particularly in the northern part of the country, heightened ethnic tensions and pushed the region towards secession. This ultimately led to the declaration of the Republic of Biafra by Colonel Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the then-military governor of the Eastern Region.
Mass Killings and Biafra’s Secession
IBB noted that the massacre of Igbos in the North during the crisis was a major turning point. The widespread violence led to mass displacement, with many Igbos fleeing to the East for safety. The inability of the federal government to control the situation and punish the perpetrators deepened ethnic divisions, reinforcing the belief that Igbos were no longer safe within Nigeria.
In response to these events, Ojukwu declared the independence of Biafra on May 30, 1967, leading to a three-year civil war between the Nigerian government and Biafra. The conflict resulted in an estimated one to three million deaths, mostly due to starvation, as a result of the blockade imposed by the federal government.
Could the War Have Been Avoided?
Babangida expressed that the war might have been avoided if stronger measures had been taken to address the grievances of the Igbo people and prevent further violence against them. He emphasized that trust between ethnic groups was already fragile, and the failure of Gowon’s government to provide adequate protection worsened the situation.
IBB also mentioned that various peace efforts, including the Aburi Accord in Ghana, were not properly implemented, which further fueled the secessionist movement and made war inevitable.
Reflections on Post-War Nigeria
Despite the war ending over five decades ago, Babangida acknowledged that its effects are still felt today, with ethnic and regional tensions continuing to shape Nigerian politics. He urged the country’s leadership to learn from history and ensure that every ethnic group in Nigeria feels safe, protected, and included in national development.
He also stressed the need for national unity, fairness, and justice, warning that any group that feels marginalized may be forced to seek alternative means of addressing their grievances, just as it happened in the Biafran crisis. IBB’s revelations provide deeper insight into the historical tensions that led to the Nigerian Civil War, highlighting the importance of trust and protection of all citizens in a diverse nation like Nigeria. As the country continues to deal with ethnic and regional challenges, his words serve as a reminder that national unity must be built on a foundation of justice, fairness, and inclusivity.
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