PRESS RELEASE
The tragedy of 7 October 1967 must inspire historical recognition, national reconciliation, equitable development and a renewed commitment to justice for the Anioma people.
LAGOS, NIGERIA
The Apex Association of Anioma Indigenes Inc. (AAAI), an affiliate of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, under the leadership of its President-General, Apst. Patrick A. Nwanze, JP (Agu-Anioma), Advocate of Rotational Leadership and Principal Stakeholder in Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos Chapter, calls upon the Federal Government of Nigeria, the National Assembly and relevant national institutions to give renewed and meaningful attention to the historical tragedy of the Asaba Massacre of 7 October 1967.
AAAI advocates a constructive national process encompassing historical acknowledgement, credible documentation, appropriate restorative measures, equitable development and serious consideration of the longstanding aspiration of the Anioma people for the creation of Anioma State.
We believe that national unity is strengthened not by forgetting painful chapters of history, but by confronting them with honesty, compassion and justice. A nation demonstrates its commitment to reconciliation when it preserves historical truth, acknowledges suffering and protects the dignity of every citizen.
- THE ASABA MASSACRE: A CALL FOR HISTORICAL JUSTICE
The Asaba Massacre remains one of the most painful episodes associated with the Nigerian Civil War of 1967–1970.
Historical accounts and survivor testimonies document the killing of large numbers of civilians in Asaba in October 1967 by Nigerian federal troops. Many men and boys reportedly gathered during a public demonstration associated with expressions of peace and national unity before the killings occurred.
Although the precise number of victims and some details remain subjects of historical research, the tragedy has secured a significant place in Nigeria’s historical consciousness because of the scale of the reported killings and the suffering inflicted upon the Asaba community.
Fathers, husbands, sons and brothers were lost. Families were shattered, communities were traumatised, and the social and economic foundations of many households were severely affected. The consequences extended beyond the immediate victims, with successive generations continuing to experience the emotional, social and economic effects of the tragedy.
For the Anioma people, the Asaba Massacre is not merely an event in a history book. It is a painful chapter in our collective experience and a solemn reminder of the devastating consequences of violence against innocent civilians.
AAAI believes that the memory of those who died must be preserved with dignity and that the experiences of survivors, affected families and the wider Asaba community deserve continued recognition.
The passage of time must not become an excuse for historical neglect. Rather, it should strengthen our determination to preserve evidence, promote credible scholarship, honour the victims and advance national reconciliation.
- HISTORICAL RECOGNITION AND RESTORATIVE REPARATIONS
AAAI respectfully urges the Federal Government to initiate an inclusive process of historical recognition and reconciliation concerning the Asaba Massacre.
We recommend the following measures:
A. Official Historical Acknowledgement
The Federal Government should give serious consideration to an appropriate official acknowledgement of the tragedy and its devastating consequences for the people of Asaba.
Such acknowledgement would represent an important step towards recognising the suffering of the victims, affirming the value of every Nigerian life and strengthening public confidence in the nation’s commitment to historical truth and justice.
B. Comprehensive Historical Documentation
Relevant national institutions, universities, historians and cultural organisations should support credible research, preserve survivor testimonies, identify victims where possible and establish an accessible historical record for present and future generations.
C. Preservation of Memorial Sites and Historical Records
Appropriate support should be provided for the preservation and development of memorial sites, archival materials and educational resources associated with the tragedy.
Historical education initiatives should also be encouraged to help younger Nigerians understand the human cost of the Civil War and the importance of protecting civilians during armed conflict.
D. Consideration of Restorative Measures
AAAI urges the Federal Government to engage the Asaba community, affected families and relevant stakeholders in considering appropriate restorative measures.
These may include support for memorial initiatives, educational programmes, historical preservation, community development and other measures identified through a credible consultative process.
We recognise that no material intervention can restore the lives lost or erase the suffering endured. Nevertheless, carefully considered restorative measures can demonstrate compassion, acknowledge historical harm and contribute to healing.
Our appeal is not intended to reopen wounds or promote division. It is a call for a responsible national response that acknowledges historical suffering while strengthening the foundations of unity, mutual respect and reconciliation.
We maintain that lasting reconciliation requires more than expressions of sympathy. It requires a willingness to acknowledge suffering, preserve historical truth and consider practical measures that address the enduring consequences of tragedy.
- ANIOMA STATE: A LEGITIMATE ASPIRATION DESERVING SERIOUS CONSIDERATION
AAAI maintains that the longstanding aspiration of the Anioma people for the creation of Anioma State deserves serious, objective and constitutionally grounded consideration.
The Anioma people possess a distinctive cultural identity, a rich historical heritage and a longstanding aspiration for greater administrative recognition within the Nigerian federation.
Our advocacy is founded on constitutional equity, administrative viability, inclusive governance, balanced development and the legitimate aspirations of our people.
We recognise that state creation is a constitutional process requiring compliance with prescribed legal and procedural conditions. Accordingly, AAAI calls upon all relevant stakeholders to pursue the Anioma State project through peaceful, lawful and constitutionally established channels.
The historical significance of the Asaba Massacre reinforces the importance of ensuring that the experiences, identity and developmental aspirations of the Anioma people receive appropriate national attention. However, our advocacy for Anioma State also stands on its own merits as a longstanding question of representation, governance, administrative effectiveness and sustainable development.
We therefore urge the Federal Government, the National Assembly and other relevant institutions to engage constructively with the Anioma State proposal, assess its merits objectively and ensure that the aspirations of our people receive fair consideration.
Our position is not an appeal for division or confrontation. It is a call for justice, inclusion, constitutional equity and a stronger federation in which communities can pursue legitimate aspirations through democratic and lawful means.
- APPEAL TO ANIOMA TRADITIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND LEADERSHIP
AAAI respectfully calls upon Professor Louis Chelunor Nwaoboshi, identified by the Association as Chairman of Anioma Traditional Institutions and Chairman of the Technical Committee on the Creation of Anioma State, alongside the Obuzor of Ibusa (Igbuzor), Delta State, and the wider traditional leadership of Anioma, to intensify consultations and constructive engagement with relevant stakeholders towards advancing the Anioma State project.
Traditional institutions occupy an important position in preserving cultural identity, promoting peace, mobilising communities and facilitating constructive engagement between the people and public institutions.
We encourage our traditional rulers to provide coordinated leadership by bringing together Anioma stakeholders, political representatives, community leaders, professionals, academics, youth organisations and other relevant groups.
Such engagement should help build a common position on the Anioma State aspiration, strengthen dialogue with the Federal Government and National Assembly, and promote sustained advocacy grounded in credible information and constitutional requirements.
We also encourage traditional institutions to support the preservation of the history of the Asaba Massacre and the development of educational and commemorative initiatives that will keep the memory of the victims alive.
AAAI further recognises the importance of cooperation among Anioma leaders and political representatives, including Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, in advancing constructive dialogue and building the broad-based support required to pursue our collective aspirations.
We believe that coordinated leadership, guided by wisdom, unity and mutual respect, will strengthen the ability of Anioma institutions to advance the interests of our people.
- APPEAL TO OHANAEZE NDIGBO WORLDWIDE
AAAI makes a respectful appeal to the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, to lend his voice, institutional support and leadership to the longstanding aspiration of the Anioma people for the creation of Anioma State.
Given the importance of unity, inclusion and equitable representation among Igbo-speaking communities and within the wider Nigerian federation, we believe that Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide can play a constructive role in promoting dialogue, building understanding and encouraging broader engagement with the Anioma question.
We invite the President-General to facilitate appropriate consultations with relevant stakeholders and support peaceful, lawful advocacy for serious consideration of Anioma State.
We further encourage Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide to recognise the historical significance of the Asaba Massacre within the wider history of the Nigerian Civil War and support initiatives promoting historical preservation, remembrance and national reconciliation.
This appeal is made in the spirit of brotherhood, mutual respect and collective responsibility. Constructive institutional support can strengthen the pursuit of justice, inclusion and equitable development without diminishing the legitimate aspirations of any other community.
- AAAI LEADERSHIP REAFFIRMS THE NEED FOR GOVERNMENT RESPONSIVENESS
In their respective contributions, the Secretary-General of AAAI, Prof. Adaobi P. Ugbomeh, and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT), Prof. Emmanuel Anaza, emphasised the importance of government responsiveness to the Association’s call for historical justice, restorative reparations and serious consideration of the Anioma State aspiration.
They observed that it would be most unfair for the government to turn its face away from this cogent demand, given the historical significance of the Asaba Massacre and the enduring need for recognition, justice, equity and inclusive development.
Their contributions underscored the position that the pursuit of historical justice is not an attempt to reopen old wounds, but a responsible call for acknowledgement, reconciliation and practical measures that recognise the dignity of the victims and the legitimate aspirations of the Anioma people.
They further emphasised the importance of constructive engagement among the Federal Government, relevant national institutions, traditional authorities and Anioma stakeholders in addressing these concerns through peaceful, lawful and constitutionally established processes.
AAAI maintains that these contributions reflect the Association’s collective determination to ensure that the historical experiences and legitimate aspirations of the Anioma people receive the attention they deserve.
- A COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY
The Apex Association of Anioma Indigenes Inc. calls upon the Federal Government, the National Assembly, the Delta State Government, political leaders, traditional institutions, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, civil society organisations, historians and development partners to support coordinated efforts towards historical preservation, restorative justice and equitable development.
AAAI calls for the following actions:
- Federal Government: Initiate an appropriate consultative process for historical acknowledgement, documentation and reconciliation concerning the Asaba Massacre, including consideration of restorative measures.
- National Assembly: Encourage informed public engagement on historical preservation and give lawful consideration to the Anioma State aspiration in accordance with applicable constitutional provisions.
- Delta State Government: Support the preservation of Anioma history and cultural heritage and facilitate constructive engagement with relevant federal institutions on matters affecting the Anioma people.
- Anioma Traditional Institutions: Intensify stakeholder consultations and provide coordinated leadership in advancing the Anioma State project.
- Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide: Support inclusive dialogue and constructive advocacy concerning the historical experiences and developmental aspirations of the Anioma people.
- Universities, Historians and Cultural Institutions: Promote credible research, archival preservation, oral-history projects and educational programmes concerning the Asaba Massacre.
- Anioma Sons and Daughters at Home and in the Diaspora: Strengthen unity, responsible citizenship, peaceful advocacy and constructive participation in initiatives that promote our collective heritage and development.
These recommendations are intended to encourage practical engagement rather than political confrontation. Their implementation should be guided by consultation, transparency, constitutional responsibility and respect for the dignity of all concerned.
- OUR COMMITMENT TO THE ANIOMA FUTURE
AAAI remains committed to promoting the cultural heritage, collective interests and sustainable development of the Anioma people.
Our mission extends beyond remembrance. It encompasses responsible citizenship, good governance, youth and women empowerment, cultural preservation, inclusive development and the promotion of a future in which every Anioma community can contribute meaningfully to national progress.
We believe that preserving history is a responsibility to those who came before us and to generations yet unborn.
The Asaba Massacre must remain a solemn reminder of the need to protect human life, strengthen national reconciliation and ensure that historical tragedies are neither forgotten nor exploited for divisive purposes.
At the same time, the Anioma State aspiration deserves sustained, organised and constructive engagement based on its historical foundations, developmental objectives and constitutional pathway.
AAAI calls upon Anioma leaders and stakeholders to place the collective interest above personal considerations, build stronger partnerships and pursue our common aspirations with discipline, wisdom and unity.
We must preserve our history, strengthen our institutions and ensure that the voices of our people are heard through peaceful, lawful and responsible engagement.
The Asaba Massacre of 7 October 1967 remains a painful reminder of the human cost of conflict and the lasting consequences of violence against innocent civilians. While no action today can reverse the losses suffered by the victims and their families, Nigeria can demonstrate its commitment to national healing by preserving historical truth, acknowledging suffering and considering appropriate restorative measures.
Likewise, the longstanding aspiration for Anioma State deserves serious, objective and constitutionally grounded consideration as part of the continuing national conversation on equitable representation, effective governance and sustainable development.
AAAI therefore calls upon the Federal Government, the National Assembly, Anioma traditional institutions, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and all relevant stakeholders to respond to these concerns with wisdom, fairness and a genuine commitment to the common good.
We remember the victims of the Asaba Massacre with dignity. We advocate historical truth and restorative justice with responsibility. We pursue the Anioma State aspiration through peaceful and constitutional means. And we remain committed to a Nigeria in which justice, equity, inclusion and respect for human life are enduring national values.
May the memory of the innocent victims of the Asaba Massacre continue to inspire a more just, compassionate and united Nigeria.
ISSUED BY:
APEX ASSOCIATION OF ANIOMA INDIGENES INC. (AAAI)
Lagos, Nigeria.
WE ARE LEAVING NO ONE BEHIND.
Non sibi sed aliis.
Not for oneself, but for others.
