59 Years After Asaba Massacre, GOMEP Revives Painful Question Nigeria Has Yet To Answer

Fifty-nine years after hundreds of civilians were reportedly killed during the Nigerian Civil War, the wounds of the Asaba Massacre remain painfully fresh, with the Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG) calling for truth, accountability and a permanent memorial for the victims.

In a commemorative message marking the 59th anniversary of the tragedy, the National President of GOMEP-NG, Comrade Akpovoke Otiti, said the events of October 7, 1967, must never be allowed to disappear into the pages of history.

GOMEP-NG recalled that on that day, federal troops under the command of Colonel Murtala Mohammed advanced into Asaba and rounded up civilians. Men and boys, including elderly men and teenagers, were separated from women and children and taken to Ogbeosowa village square, where they were lined up and shot.

The Guild said many of those gathered had dressed in their akwa ocha — traditional white clothing associated with peace and reconciliation — believing that the gesture would demonstrate their loyalty to a united Nigeria.

Instead, fathers, brothers and sons failed to return home, leaving grieving families, unmarked graves and a painful legacy that has lasted for generations.

According to historical accounts, the massacre occurred during the Nigerian Civil War, which followed the declaration of the Republic of Biafra in 1967 and lasted until 1970. The conflict resulted in massive displacement, hunger and loss of lives across the country.

GOMEP-NG said the tragedy in Asaba remains particularly painful because of the destruction of families and the deep psychological scars that continue to affect the community decades later.

The Guild highlighted the enduring question associated with the tragedy: “Ahabamegi eji gbuwe na ahia?” — meaning, “What offence did the people of Asaba commit to deserve such killing?”

Comrade Otiti said the question remains a powerful reminder that reconciliation cannot be complete without truth.

He stressed that remembering Asaba is not an attempt to reopen old wounds for revenge, but a call to ensure that historical tragedies are confronted honestly so that they are never repeated.

GOMEP-NG observed that although the Federal Government’s post-war policy of the Three Rs — Reconciliation, Reconstruction and Rehabilitation — helped rebuild physical infrastructure, the emotional and psychological wounds suffered by victims’ families were never fully addressed.

The Guild therefore called for a sincere official acknowledgement of the tragedy, including consideration of a formal Federal Government apology to the victims and their descendants.

It also demanded the establishment of a permanent Asaba Peace and Memory Centre, museum and memorial, alongside the inclusion of the human cost of the Nigerian Civil War in the nation’s school curriculum.

The Guild paid tribute to the late Ogbueshi Professor Emma Okocha (Ikemba Ahaba), whose book, Blood on the Niger, helped preserve the memory of the Asaba tragedy and bring wider attention to the events.

GOMEP-NG also recalled Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah’s call for truth and reconciliation with victims’ families during the 50th anniversary commemoration.

The Guild warned that the lessons of Asaba, as well as later incidents such as Odi in 1999 and Zaki Biam in 2001, demonstrate the dangers of exercising state power without credible accountability.

According to Comrade Otiti, Nigeria must confront its difficult history if it hopes to build lasting national unity.

“Asaba lives matter. Nigerian lives matter. Every life matters. We must remember Asaba, reject hate and choose peace,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to make justice, equality, security and human dignity the foundation of national unity, stressing that remembering the past should serve as a warning and a commitment to a more peaceful future.