The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to make a formal reconciliation declaration regarding the 1967 Asaba Massacre. Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, revealed this information on Wednesday, represented by Secretary to the State Government, Kingsley Emu Dr. The declaration comes as a significant step towards reconciliation, 59 years after the tragic event.
The Asaba Massacre occurred during the Nigerian Civil War, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of civilians. The event was commemorated on its anniversary with a memorial service held in Asaba. At the event, Oborevwori emphasized that an official acknowledgement of the tragedy by the authorities is critical to achieving true reconciliation. He noted that the Delta State Government had already formally recognized the event.
Oborevwori expressed hope that the Nigerian government would make a formal reconciliation declaration, which would be followed by international acknowledgement. The governor affirmed that the state government would continue to support initiatives aimed at securing full national recognition for the massacre and establishing a fitting national memorial. This move is expected to bring closure to the affected community.
The Asagba of Asaba, Epiphany Azinge Prof, stated that while the community had forgiven the past, it would not forget the tragedy. Azinge insisted that a sitting president must issue a public apology before the people can achieve total closure. The community's stance highlights the importance of accountability and acknowledgment in the healing process.
A retired Maj-Gen Ahmed Ibrahim Taiwo, son of the late Maj Ibrahim Taiwo, an Army officer associated with the historical events, offered a personal apology to the people of Asaba. Taiwo explained that he had spent years researching his father's role in the massacre before deciding to offer a public apology. This gesture is seen as a step towards reconciliation.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who delivered a recorded message, described the massacre as one of the most painful and disturbing episodes of the civil war. He urged all Nigerians to embrace forgiveness, noting that he wept upon reviewing documents detailing the killings. Obasanjo emphasized the importance of learning from the past to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The memorial service featured various speakers who emphasized the need for truth, justice, and restoration in the healing process. The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, stressed that national healing must follow truth, justice, and restoration, adding that forgiveness can only follow these steps. The proposed memorial centre aims to preserve the names, testimonies, and historical records of the victims for future generations.
Key points
- The Nigerian government will make a formal reconciliation declaration regarding the 1967 Asaba Massacre.
- The Delta State Government has already formally recognized the event.
- A sitting president's public apology is being sought by the Asaba community for total closure.
