Commemorating Asaba Massacre

Ogochukwu Eseka

  The Asaba Massacre remains one of the most heinous acts of genocide in African history, yet it has been shrouded in silence and neglect for decades.  The massacre occurred when soldiers of the Second Division of the Nigerian Army stopped in Asaba, a town within the Nigerian Federal Territory with close ethnic affinity to the Ibos in Biafra, and perpetrated the atrocity over four days.

Historical Dynamism

The Biafran War took a devastating turn in August 1967, when Biafran troops invaded the Mid-Western Region, advancing as far as Ore before being pushed back by Nigerian forces.

Briefly put soldiers of the Second Division of the Nigerian Army on their way to Biafra to stamp out what was considered an insurrection stopped in Asaba (Asaba was within Nigerian Federal Territory but with close ethnic affinity to the Ibos in Biafra) and over four days perpetrated one of the most heinous acts of genocide known to the African region at the time with 1,000 civilians massacred.  There were no contemporaneous media reports about this incident and in due course when it became known the authorities covered it up. Despite what appeared to be official hostility within Nigeria for proper acknowledgment of the Massacre, Asaba people and other well-meaning Nigerians have continued to memorialise the atrocity in various ways.

Recently, efforts to commemorate the victims have also gained momentum, including a charity dinner, tagged, ‘The Asaba Memorial Collection Charity Dinner’, held at the historic Lansdowne Club in London, a venue steeped in history and significance, on October 27th, 2024.

This historical venue in the heart of Berkeley Square, Mayfair London was where Lord Shelburne negotiated the peace treaty with America in 1782.

It is also worthy to note that the building once belonged to two British statesman in the 18th century; Former Prime Minister, John Stuart and William Petty Fitzmaurice, the second Earl of Shelburne.

The Event

The Asaba Memorial Collection Charity Dinner aimed to create awareness about ethnic intolerance and raise funds for a memorial park in Asaba.  The evening featured keynote speakers, including Chief Chuck Nduka-Eze, Mr. Mustafa Chike-Obi, and Mr. Ademola Akinrele. The event showcased artworks from the Asaba Memorial collection, featuring pieces by over 20 artists. Notable works included ‘In Memoriam’ by 12-year-old Kanye Okeke and Victor Ehikhamanor’s ‘Black Peace’ (2022).

Renowned fashion designer Ade Bakare’s Ogbueshi also made a powerful statement.

 In the past, various initiatives had commemorated the Asaba Massacre, including the Red Door Gallery Art Exhibition held from November 27 to December 7, 2022. Also is the Oputa Panel Petition in 2001, and annual remembrance events. Other memorials include Memorial Square, Umuaji, Asaba, The Cenotaph, Ogbesowa, Asaba, and a 90-minute documentary film. Recent efforts include planting 1000 trees at the Five Ebos in Asaba on October 6, 2024.

The Asaba Memorial also served as a tribute to the victims of the Asaba Massacre, featuring works from over 20 artists. One notable piece was ‘In Memoriam’, a monumental canvas by 12-year-old Kanye Okeke, listing the names of some victims. Victor Ehikhamanor’s ‘Black Peace’ (2022) is another striking work, previously featured on the book cover of ‘The Asaba Massacre: Trauma, Memory, and the Nigerian Civil War.’ Renowned fashion designer Ade Bakare’s ‘Ogbueshi’ is also on display, honouring the memory of Late Ogbueshi Leonard Nwanonyei Okogwu.

Additionally, Enotie Ogbebor donated a body of work, sharing his father’s eyewitness account of the atrocities. These artworks serve as a powerful reminder of the tragedy.

In a statement, organisers of the dinner, the Asaba Memorial Group, expressed gratitude to supporters, including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Chike-Obi, and Fidelity Bank. The Asaba Memorial group extended congratulations to HRM Obi (Prof) Epiphany Azinge on his coronation on October 5th, 2024.

They also expressed gratitude to Mr. Ademola Akinrele,  Chike Ogeah, Ken Odogwu, Chief Nick Azinge, Profs. Elizabeth Bird and Fraser Ottanelli, authors of ‘The Asaba Massacre: Trauma, Memory, and the Nigerian Civil War,’ among others.

“We fondly remember late Chief Emma Okocha’s pivotal book, ‘Blood on the Niger’, which inspired our memorial efforts,” they added. The Asaba Memorial Collection Charity Dinner was a powerful tribute to the victims of the Asaba Massacre and a testament to the resilience of the Asaba people. As the evening drew to a close, guests departed with a renewed sense of purpose, committed to ensuring that the atrocities of the past are never forgotten. The Asaba Memorial Collection Charity Dinner marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to honour the victims of the Asaba Massacre.

As the Asaba Memorial Group continues its work, it remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting unity, understanding, and reconciliation.

Through the Asaba Memorial Collection Charity Dinner, the Asaba Memorial group demonstrated its unwavering dedication to preserving the history and legacy of the Asaba people.

A tribute by Ngozi Chimamanda Adichie at the night of memorial service of late HRH Professor Chiketributes/Edozien Con, The Asagba of Asaba on May 30, 2024, read: “We live in a country that wants to forget the past, but the Asagba refused to forget and so by insisting that we remember, by saying this thing happened, it is not a myth and that it happened and we must remember.

“I think he did a great service not only to the community of Asaba but to Nigeria as a whole. To teach us that”

Similarly, a popular quote by Prof. Joy Ogwu in 2021, read: “I must emphasize that Memorialization reminds us that those who forget history will invariably repeat it.

“The concept of ‘Never again’ is a phrase that we are all familiar with following the Holocaust. In the Asaba dialect the word ‘Ozoemezina’ encapsulates the idea of remembrance”

According to the organisers, the Asaba Memorial group will continue to work tirelessly to promote awareness and understanding of the Asaba Massacre.  Future initiatives would include educational programs, cultural events, and community outreach.

“The Asaba Memorial Collection Charity Dinner marked a significant step towards healing and remembrance. The event showcased artworks from the Asaba Memorial collection, including 14 pieces by Kanyeyachukwu (Kanye) Okeke.

“His monumental piece, ‘Never Forget’, lists the names of all the victims of the massacre. Proceeds from the artwork sales will support the proposed Memorial Park.

“A Nigerian army delegation, led by Major General J.O. Shokoya and Brigadier General Okechukwu Unochukwu, visited His Majesty, Nna Agu. They sought approval to research the Nigerian civil war and gather factual accounts from the Asaba people. Their mission aimed to learn from history, identify ways to prevent similar tragedies and apply those lessons to future military engagements.

“The visit coincided with the massacre’s commemoration date. His Majesty emphasized that Asaba’s people were innocent victims, caught in conflict, and not pro-Biafra supporters. He attributed the army’s hostility to either regional significance or conspiracy.

“The Asaba Memorial Collection Charity Dinner and the army’s visit demonstrate a growing commitment to acknowledging the past and promoting unity.

“By supporting the Memorial Park and engaging in dialogue, individuals and organisations can contribute to healing.”