Chuck Nduka-Eze, Chairman of the Asaba Massacre Memorial Trust, has shared his personal account of his mother's death during the 1967 Asaba Massacre. He stated that his 27-year-old mother was shot dead by soldiers on October 7, 1967, after questioning their treatment of civilians in Asaba, Delta State, during the Nigerian Civil War. According to Nduka-Eze, his mother was the only woman killed that day. Her death has left a lasting impact on Nduka-Eze and his family.
Nduka-Eze recounted the events leading up to his mother's death, stating that his father had arranged for some family members to leave Asaba before the killings began. A car was sent to move family members to safety as the Second Division of the Nigerian Army advanced towards Biafra and stopped in Asaba. However, Nduka-Eze's mother and some relatives remained in the town after the Niger Bridge was broken, making it impossible for them to cross over.
The Asaba Massacre took place during the Nigerian Civil War in October 1967. Nduka-Eze's account is based on decades of engagement with the issue, including research and discussions with survivors and eyewitnesses. He was about three or four years old when he returned to Nigeria with his parents from the United Kingdom during the early stages of the crisis. This historical event remains one of the most painful episodes in the history of the community.
According to Nduka-Eze, the Second Division arrived in Asaba in early October 1967, and residents initially believed they had little reason to fear the Nigerian troops. However, the situation deteriorated when civilians began experiencing attacks and brutal treatment, prompting community leaders to meet the division's leadership and pledge their loyalty to Nigeria. The residents were later encouraged to gather at Ogusewe Square to demonstrate their allegiance.
Nduka-Eze stated that machine guns had reportedly been positioned at one end of Ogusewe Square, partly concealed, before men and women were separated and shooting began. Many people were killed in that spot, mainly men. The exact death toll remains unknown due to incomplete documentation after the war, but figures suggest that several hundred to about 1,000 people were killed that day.
The Asaba Massacre Memorial Trust, led by Nduka-Eze, continues to seek justice and healing for the victims and their families. Nduka-Eze's personal account serves as a reminder of the tragic events that occurred during the Nigerian Civil War. His mother's death has had a lasting impact on his life and work.
The Asaba Massacre remains a significant event in Nigerian history, and efforts to preserve its memory and promote healing continue. Nduka-Eze's story highlights the importance of documenting and sharing the experiences of survivors and their families.
Key points
- Chuck Nduka-Eze's mother was the only woman killed during the 1967 Asaba Massacre.
- The Asaba Massacre took place on October 7, 1967, during the Nigerian Civil War.
- The exact death toll of the Asaba Massacre remains unknown, with estimates ranging from several hundred to about 1,000 people killed.
