Introduction
Nigeria’s Civil War (1967–1970), also known as the Biafran War, remains one of the most devastating conflicts in African history. Yet, despite its profound impact on the nation, many Nigerians especially younger generations know little about it. The war, which claimed between 500,000 to 3 million lives , is often glossed over in schools, if mentioned at all. This deliberate omission has left a gap in national consciousness, fueling ethnic tensions and historical distortions.
In this blog post, we uncover the hidden truths of the Nigeria-Biafra War, exploring its causes, key events, humanitarian crisis, and lasting consequences facts that many educational institutions fail to teach.
The Roots of the War: Ethnic Tensions and Colonial Legacy
The Nigerian Civil War did not erupt overnight. Its origins trace back to deep-seated ethnic divisions worsened by British colonial policies.
Key Factors Leading to the Conflict
- Colonial Amalgamation (1914): The British merged the Northern and Southern protectorates without regard for cultural, religious, and political differences.
- Post-Independence Power Struggles: After Nigeria gained independence in 1960, the three major ethnic groups Hausa-Fulani (North), Yoruba (West), and Igbo (East) competed for dominance.
- 1966 Coups & Anti-Igbo Pogroms: A military coup (led mostly by Top military officers) and a counter-coup (led by Northern officers) triggered mass killings of Igbos in the North, forcing over a million to flee to the East.
These events convinced Eastern leaders, particularly Lieutenant Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu, that the Igbo people could no longer coexist safely within Nigeria.
The Declaration of Biafra and Nigeria’s Response
On May 30, 1967, Ojukwu declared the Republic of Biafra, citing the Eastern region’s right to self-determination.
Nigeria’s Military Reaction
The federal government, led by General Yakubu Gowon, rejected secession and launched a military campaign to reclaim the East. The war officially began on July 6, 1967, with Nigeria imposing a blockade on Biafra, cutting off food and medical supplies.
The Humanitarian Catastrophe: Starvation as a Weapon
One of the darkest aspects of the war was the deliberate starvation of Biafrans.
Key Facts About the Famine
Nigeria’s blockade led to mass starvation, with images of malnourished children broadcast globally. An estimated 1-2 million Biafran civilians died from hunger and disease. The crisis spurred the creation of Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières).
Despite international outcry, the Nigerian government maintained its blockade, viewing it as a strategic necessity to force Biafra’s surrender.
Foreign Involvement: A Proxy Cold War?
The war attracted global attention, with foreign powers taking sides:
- Nigeria’s Supporters: The UK and Soviet Union backed Nigeria, supplying arms to maintain African territorial integrity.
- Biafra’s Allies: France, Israel, and Portugal supported Biafra, partly due to oil interests and Cold War politics.
- U.S. Neutrality: America officially stayed neutral but was accused of tacitly supporting Nigeria.
This international dimension turned the conflict into one of Africa’s first televised humanitarian disasters.
The War’s End and the “No Victor, No Vanquished” Myth
Biafra surrendered on January 15, 1970, after years of brutal fighting. General Gowon declared a policy of “No Victor, No Vanquished”, promising reintegration and reconciliation.
Reality vs. Rhetoric
- While Igbos were not systematically persecuted post-war, they faced economic marginalization.
- The Nigerian government implemented a policy where Biafran currency was rendered worthless, impoverishing many Easterners.
- No Igbo has served as Nigeria’s president since the war, fueling perceptions of systemic exclusion.
Why Schools Don’t Teach the Full Story
The Nigerian Civil War is conspicuously absent from many school curricula. Here’s why:
Reasons for Historical Erasure
- Fear of Renewed Separatism: The government avoids teaching the war to prevent fueling new secessionist movements like IPOB (Indigenous People of Biafra).
- National Unity Narrative: Authorities promote a “one Nigeria” ideology, suppressing divisive histories.
- Lack of Historical Emphasis: History was removed from basic education in the 1970s, replaced with generic social studies.
As Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka lamented:
“They just did not want history to be taught, especially contemporary history. They don’t want people to know… the conduct of the military during the civil war.”
The Legacy: Unhealed Wounds and Rising Neo-Biafran Agitation
The war’s scars remain fresh:
- Igbo Nationalism: Groups like IPOB (Indigenous People Of Biafra) and MASSOB (Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra) continue to demand Biafran independence.
- Economic Disparities:The Southeast remains underdeveloped, reinforcing grievances
- Historical Amnesia: Without proper education, younger Nigerians grow up unaware of the war’s lessons.
Conclusion: The Need for Truth and Reconciliation
Nigeria cannot move forward without confronting its past. Teaching the full history of the Civil War its causes, atrocities, and aftermath is essential for national healing.
As historian Chinua Achebe once wrote:
“Until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.”
It’s time for Nigeria’s lions, the victims, survivors, and marginalized to tell their story.
What are your thoughts on Nigeria’s Civil War? Should it be taught in schools? Share your views in the comments!
By shedding light on these suppressed truths, we honor the victims and ensure history is never repeated.
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