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We have come to the end of today's event. We hope you have learnt a thing or two about the Biafra War and we immensely appreciate you for staying with us all day.
Daalụ nụ.
To close our event today, here is a gratitude video in honour of all who sent relief aid to Biafra
Daalụ nụ.
To close our event today, here is a gratitude video in honour of all who sent relief aid to Biafra
during the war. We are grateful to them all.
We also remember all who lost their lives during the war. May they Rest In Peace.
Kindly note that you can visit the Centre For Memories to see our ongoing exhibition on
We also remember all who lost their lives during the war. May they Rest In Peace.
Kindly note that you can visit the Centre For Memories to see our ongoing exhibition on
THE BIAFRAN AIRLIFT
The Airlift to Biafra is the second largest airlift in human history. It is known that about 3 million Igbo people died during the war but that number would have been a lot more if not the humanitarian activities of so many groups, organizations and national
The Airlift to Biafra is the second largest airlift in human history. It is known that about 3 million Igbo people died during the war but that number would have been a lot more if not the humanitarian activities of so many groups, organizations and national
governments who sent relief aid to Biafra.
Approximately 30 non-governmental organizations and several governments provided non-military direct and indirect aid through or in support of the Biafran Airlift. Major contributors of such items as food, medicine, transport aircraft,
Approximately 30 non-governmental organizations and several governments provided non-military direct and indirect aid through or in support of the Biafran Airlift. Major contributors of such items as food, medicine, transport aircraft,
air and ground crew included:
American Jewish Emergency Effort for Biafran Relief
Canada (financial, food, material, C-130 Hercules aircraft)
Canairrelief (a NGO organized by the Presbyterian Church of Canada and Oxfam Canada. Over 10,000 tons were carried in 674 flights)
American Jewish Emergency Effort for Biafran Relief
Canada (financial, food, material, C-130 Hercules aircraft)
Canairrelief (a NGO organized by the Presbyterian Church of Canada and Oxfam Canada. Over 10,000 tons were carried in 674 flights)
THE UGA AIRSTRIP
Many people are aware that Biafra had an airstrip in Uli but only a few know that there was another airstrip in Uga, Anambra State.
Uga, the second of the three sites originally selected as a bush airstrip, was hastily developed following the threatened loss of
Many people are aware that Biafra had an airstrip in Uli but only a few know that there was another airstrip in Uga, Anambra State.
Uga, the second of the three sites originally selected as a bush airstrip, was hastily developed following the threatened loss of
Uli in September 1968. Like Uli, the airstrip at Uga was converted from a stretch of the main Orlu to Awka road but instead of creating concrete hard-standings, the Biafrans used a form of PSP (a pierced-steel planking system), although local reports at the time described the
material as 'perforated aluminium strip '. (It is very likely that the material used for developing Uga had originally been purchased via the Church Relief Service for use at Uli.
By the end of 1968 the strip was declared operational, but only as a secondary strip to Uli and
By the end of 1968 the strip was declared operational, but only as a secondary strip to Uli and
THE ABAGANA AMBUSH
The Abagana Ambush (March 31, 1968) was an ambush by Biafran guerrilla troops led by Major Jonathan Uchendu that wiped out the Nigerian 2 Division. Of the 6,000 Nigerian troops ambushed, only a very small number survived, including
The Abagana Ambush (March 31, 1968) was an ambush by Biafran guerrilla troops led by Major Jonathan Uchendu that wiped out the Nigerian 2 Division. Of the 6,000 Nigerian troops ambushed, only a very small number survived, including
the 2nd Division's commander, General Murtala Muhammed.
On 31 March 1968, a convoy consisting of 106 vehicles belonging to the Nigerian 2nd Division transporting 6,000 soldiers, as well as armour from Onitsha to Enugu was ambushed and decimated in the town of Abagana by a small
On 31 March 1968, a convoy consisting of 106 vehicles belonging to the Nigerian 2nd Division transporting 6,000 soldiers, as well as armour from Onitsha to Enugu was ambushed and decimated in the town of Abagana by a small
unit of Biafran soldiers led by Major Jonathan Uchendu.
Homemade Ogbunigwe rocket missiles were launched by the Biafrans at a tanker truck carrying gasoline which caused an enormous explosion destroying many of the convoy's armoured vehicles and killing a large number of
Homemade Ogbunigwe rocket missiles were launched by the Biafrans at a tanker truck carrying gasoline which caused an enormous explosion destroying many of the convoy's armoured vehicles and killing a large number of
OPERATION HIROSHIMA
This was a military operation conducted by the Biafran 4th Commando Brigade in an attempt to recapture Onitsha from the Nigerian 2nd Division. The operation ultimately resulted in failure and ended in the deaths of numerous mercenaries and Biafran soldiers.
This was a military operation conducted by the Biafran 4th Commando Brigade in an attempt to recapture Onitsha from the Nigerian 2nd Division. The operation ultimately resulted in failure and ended in the deaths of numerous mercenaries and Biafran soldiers.
In early November 1968 the 4,000 strong Biafran 4th Commando Brigade moved northwards from Umuahia to Nkwelle, less than 10 km outside of Onitsha. On 15 November Colonel Rolf Steiner was ordered to launch an offensive operation coined "Operation Hiroshima". Steiner initially
objected on the grounds that his troops were trained for guerrilla tactics, but was overruled.
The operation was a full frontal attack across an open field. With no aerial support or any natural obstacles to hide behind the attacking Biafran brigade was decimated by Nigerian
The operation was a full frontal attack across an open field. With no aerial support or any natural obstacles to hide behind the attacking Biafran brigade was decimated by Nigerian
OPERATION OAU (September 2 – October 15, 1968)
Operation OAU was a move by the Nigerian troops to capture the three towns of Owerri, Aba and Umuahia. It was an intermittent battle that may have resulted in over 25,000 deaths on both sides. Although the Biafran soldiers were
Operation OAU was a move by the Nigerian troops to capture the three towns of Owerri, Aba and Umuahia. It was an intermittent battle that may have resulted in over 25,000 deaths on both sides. Although the Biafran soldiers were
outnumbered, they were able to retain control of Umuahia and eventually recapture the cities of Owerri and Aba.
On September 2, Nigerian artillery began shelling Aba while ground forces began to enter the city under heavy Biafran fire. For twelve days bloody house-to-house
On September 2, Nigerian artillery began shelling Aba while ground forces began to enter the city under heavy Biafran fire. For twelve days bloody house-to-house
fighting ensued and bodies filled Red Cross hospitals before the final Biafrans surrendered on the 14th September. On the 13th September the Biafran 14th Division came under heavy artillery fire from the Nigerian 16th Brigade under the command of Colonel E.A. Etuk.
SOME OPERATIONS DURING THE BIAFRA WAR
OPERATION TIGER CLAW (October 17–19, 1967)
This was a military conflict between Nigerian and Biafran military forces. The battle took place in the major port of Calabar. The Nigerian were led by Benjamin Adekunle while the Biafrans were led
OPERATION TIGER CLAW (October 17–19, 1967)
This was a military conflict between Nigerian and Biafran military forces. The battle took place in the major port of Calabar. The Nigerian were led by Benjamin Adekunle while the Biafrans were led
by Maj. Ogbo Oji. The aftermath was a major loss to the Biafrans because it cost the Biafrans one of their largest ports.
In October 1967 a Nigerian Navy armada on a naval campaign left the port of Bonny en route to Calabar. Inside the ships were the heavily armed troops of the
In October 1967 a Nigerian Navy armada on a naval campaign left the port of Bonny en route to Calabar. Inside the ships were the heavily armed troops of the
Nigerian 3rd Marine Division under the command of Gen. Benjamin Adekunle. At the time Calabar was defended by the Biafran 9th Battalion under the command of Maj. Ogbo Oji, who was responsible for the defense of Biafra's entire southeast coastline from Opobo to the Cameroon border
THE BIAFRAN AIRFORCE
Biafra had a small, yet effective air force. Biafran Air Force commanders were Chude Sokey and later Godwin Ezeilo, who had trained with the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Its early inventory included two B-25 Mitchells, two B-26 Invaders, (one piloted by Polish
Biafra had a small, yet effective air force. Biafran Air Force commanders were Chude Sokey and later Godwin Ezeilo, who had trained with the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Its early inventory included two B-25 Mitchells, two B-26 Invaders, (one piloted by Polish
World War II ace Jan Zumbach, known also as John Brown), a converted DC-3 and one Dove. In 1968, Swedish pilot Carl Gustaf von Rosen suggested the MiniCOIN project to General Ojukwu.
By early 1969, Biafra had assembled five MFI-9Bs in Gabon, calling them "Biafra Babies".
By early 1969, Biafra had assembled five MFI-9Bs in Gabon, calling them "Biafra Babies".
They were coloured green, were able to carry six 68 mm anti-armour rockets under each wing using simple sights. The five planes were flown by three Swedish pilots and three Biafran pilots. In September 1969, Biafra acquired four ex-Armee de l'Air North American T-6Gs, which were
THE BIAFRAN ARMED FORCES
At the beginning of the war, Biafra had about 3,000 soldiers. This number grew as the war progressed, ultimately reaching 30,000. There was no official support for the Biafran Army from any other nation, although arms were clandestinely acquired.
At the beginning of the war, Biafra had about 3,000 soldiers. This number grew as the war progressed, ultimately reaching 30,000. There was no official support for the Biafran Army from any other nation, although arms were clandestinely acquired.
Because of this, Biafra manufactured many of her weapons locally. Some Europeans served the Biafran cause: German-born Rolf Steiner was a lieutenant colonel assigned to the 4th Commando Brigade, and Welshman Taffy Williams served as a major throughout the conflict. A special
guerrilla unit, the Biafran Organization of Freedom Fighters, was established: designed to emulate the Viet Cong, they targeted Nigerian supply lines, forcing them to shift resources to internal security efforts.
Our next post will talk about the different branches of the
Our next post will talk about the different branches of the
THE RESEARCH AND PRODUCTION AGENCY (RAP)
At the outbreak of the war, Biafra was poorly equipped as compared to the Nigerian army with arms and ammunition being in short supply. This imbalance in power was intensified in the course of the war. Biafran scientists, prominently from
At the outbreak of the war, Biafra was poorly equipped as compared to the Nigerian army with arms and ammunition being in short supply. This imbalance in power was intensified in the course of the war. Biafran scientists, prominently from
the University of Nigeria Nsukka (then University of Biafra), formed the Research and Production (RAP) Agency of Biafra which included a Weapons Research and Production Group.
Headed by COLONEL EJIKE OBUMNEME AGHANYA, it was the aim and purpose of this group to develop an
Headed by COLONEL EJIKE OBUMNEME AGHANYA, it was the aim and purpose of this group to develop an
indigenous arms industry and they soon started with the production of ammunition, grenades and armoured cars. They also produced bombs, rockets, missiles (collectively called Ogbunigwe), telecommunication gadgets and petroleum refineries among others for the Biafran Armed Forces.
BIAFRA: COMMUNICATION AND PROPAGANDA
Radio, as a modern communication technology, has played a revolutionary role in propaganda wars. Governments and revolutionaries find it indispensable because of its advantage in disseminating messages quickly across national borders.
Radio, as a modern communication technology, has played a revolutionary role in propaganda wars. Governments and revolutionaries find it indispensable because of its advantage in disseminating messages quickly across national borders.
The Biafran government saw the enormous propaganda potential of radio and tactically exploited it. Radio Biafra was an important arm of the Biafran struggle for self-determination.
Also through the efforts of their roving diplomats, such as CHINUA ACHEBE, during the war, Biafra
Also through the efforts of their roving diplomats, such as CHINUA ACHEBE, during the war, Biafra
achieved recognition from the states of Tanzania, Gabon, Haiti, Ivory Coast, and Zambia. But the Biafra struggled to secure wider diplomatic support. It also found it difficult to purchase weapons and smuggle them into its controlled territory via airlift.
The efforts of these
The efforts of these
So @AbaenowaChibuzo made an extensive WhatsApp status about history of #Biafra and books to be read.
#BiafraRemembranceDay
Question of the day;
Describe what each symbol in the Biafra Coat of arms represent and its significance in igbo land and tradition?
#ozoemena
#Thread
#BiafraRemembranceDay
Question of the day;
Describe what each symbol in the Biafra Coat of arms represent and its significance in igbo land and tradition?
#ozoemena
#Thread
Basic Facts about the Republic of Biafra:
Head of State- General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu
Chief of General State- Major General Philip Effiong
Capital- Enugu (later moved to Umuahia by October 1967)
Independence Day- 30th May 1969
#BiafraHeroesDay2020
Head of State- General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu
Chief of General State- Major General Philip Effiong
Capital- Enugu (later moved to Umuahia by October 1967)
Independence Day- 30th May 1969
#BiafraHeroesDay2020
The first military coup was planned by 3 main persons; Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu, Major Ifeajuna and Major Ademoyega.
There were alot of other outsider who play different roles but these were the main men.
There were alot of other outsider who play different roles but these were the main men.
Today as we celebrate #BiafraHeroesDay2020, we give honour to whom honour is due.
We say thank you & God bless you to all individuals and groups who contributed in one way or another in making 30th May of every year the date for #BiafraRemembranceDay.
We say thank you & God bless you to all individuals and groups who contributed in one way or another in making 30th May of every year the date for #BiafraRemembranceDay.
@MaziNnamdiKanu & #IPOB popularised & energized #BiafraHeroesDay.
The organisation that first proposed #BiafraHeroesDay from the earliest available references I could find is a group known as the BIAFRA FOUNDATION based in the USA in the year 2002.
The organisation that first proposed #BiafraHeroesDay from the earliest available references I could find is a group known as the BIAFRA FOUNDATION based in the USA in the year 2002.
It must be admitted that Chief Ralph Uwazurike had already started the Movement For The Actualisation Of Biafra (MASSOB) in 1999 in Ijesha, Lagos.
The first available record of #BiafraHeroesDay event held in Nigeria was organised by Chief Ralph Uwazurike led MASSOB in 2004.
The first available record of #BiafraHeroesDay event held in Nigeria was organised by Chief Ralph Uwazurike led MASSOB in 2004.
As long as there is no foundation of justice in #Nigeria, all kinds of agitation will continue. Essentially, we are all Biafrans...
link.medium.com/iDNmCkteU6
link.medium.com/iDNmCkteU6
53 years ago today, the military governor of the Eastern Region of #Nigeria, Colonel Emeka Ojukwu, declared the region as the independent Republic of #Biafra.
Most of the existing history will tell you that he took this action unilaterally, but that is incorrect.
Most of the existing history will tell you that he took this action unilaterally, but that is incorrect.
4 days earlier, a consultative assembly made up of people in the 11 provinces of the Eastern region had by a majority voted to break away from #Nigeria following @NigeriaGov's reneging on the Aburi Accord of 5/1/1967, and the creation of 3 states out of the East on 5/5/1967.
WHAT BIAFRANS WILL NEVER TELL YOU ABOUT THE REAL CAUSE OF THEIR WOES IN NIGERIA TODAY:
Do u knw that when Tafawa Balewa was Prime Minister of Nigeria;
Majority of key ministries goes to SE.
Still, there was dissatisfaction by SE, d officers from d region killed this same Balewa
Do u knw that when Tafawa Balewa was Prime Minister of Nigeria;
Majority of key ministries goes to SE.
Still, there was dissatisfaction by SE, d officers from d region killed this same Balewa
2. Out of all d most senior officers in Nigeria, SE has 37, none was killed. 8 from d north, all of them were killed. 10 from the west, 2 were killed.
In the end, an Igbo man called Aguiyi Ironsi, who was supposed to have been killed alongside other military officers,
In the end, an Igbo man called Aguiyi Ironsi, who was supposed to have been killed alongside other military officers,
3. ended up becoming the new military ruler of Nigeria. Rather than immediately arrest and punish the coup plotters, he kept them in detention where they were treated as heroes. This was actually what sowed the seed for the eventual Biafra War. On the 23rd of February 1966
IGBO & IGBO DENIERS
Igbo Bụ Igbo (Igbo is Igbo) But We Have Igbo Deniers
The grandfather & one of the earliest known #IgboDeniers is the acclaimed Ikwerre Writer from Aluu – Elechi Amadi (He schooled in Yoruba land & was a Nigerian soldier during the war).
Igbo Bụ Igbo (Igbo is Igbo) But We Have Igbo Deniers
The grandfather & one of the earliest known #IgboDeniers is the acclaimed Ikwerre Writer from Aluu – Elechi Amadi (He schooled in Yoruba land & was a Nigerian soldier during the war).
He went to the Oputa Panel in 2004 & told the whole world that Ikwerre is not Igbo.
Later day Igbo Denying apostles include a certain Henry Okelue (@4eyedmonk) who is only known on Twitter where he claims that Anioma or Delta Igbo are not Igbo.
#IgboDeniers
#Ozoemena
Later day Igbo Denying apostles include a certain Henry Okelue (@4eyedmonk) who is only known on Twitter where he claims that Anioma or Delta Igbo are not Igbo.
#IgboDeniers
#Ozoemena
The question is this. If Igbo bụ Igbo, what is the motivation of these #IgboDeniers? The simple chief answer is this. “Failure is an orphan”.
#Biafra
#BiafraRemembranceDay
#BiafraHeroesDay2019
#ozoemena
#Biafra
#BiafraRemembranceDay
#BiafraHeroesDay2019
#ozoemena
As I watch my Igbo friends mark #BiafraRemembranceDay, I would like to join you in remembering all those murdered in the pogroms, & the civilians killed in the war by intentional starvation, planned massacres, and bombings.
Biafra was declared in response to Igbos being killed in Northern Nigeria, in what can only be called genocide. The Nigerian Government failed to protect them.
As such, Biafra was a just cause, and humanity should praise the brave people who stood for it #BiafraRemembranceDay
As such, Biafra was a just cause, and humanity should praise the brave people who stood for it #BiafraRemembranceDay
I also remember every soldier, on either side of that terrible, wasteful conflict, who kept his hands clean of atrocity, while fighting for what he believed in.
We must all join hands to condemn all those who partook in atrocity.
#BiafraRemembranceDay
We must all join hands to condemn all those who partook in atrocity.
#BiafraRemembranceDay
9 MOST IMPORTANT INNOVATIONS FROM BIAFRA
1. Ogbunigwe- A series of weapons systems which include command detonation mines, improvised explosive devices & rocket propelled missiles invented by the Biafran Research & Production Group.
#BiafraHeroesDay2019
#BiafraRemembranceDay
1. Ogbunigwe- A series of weapons systems which include command detonation mines, improvised explosive devices & rocket propelled missiles invented by the Biafran Research & Production Group.
#BiafraHeroesDay2019
#BiafraRemembranceDay
9 MOST IMPORTANT INNOVATIONS FROM BIAFRA
2. Biafran Grenade Launcher- another invention of the Biafra Research & Production Group quartered at then University of Biafra- now UNN
It was used mainly to launch the world famous Ogbunigwe
#BiafraHeroesDay2019
#BiafraRemembranceDay
2. Biafran Grenade Launcher- another invention of the Biafra Research & Production Group quartered at then University of Biafra- now UNN
It was used mainly to launch the world famous Ogbunigwe
#BiafraHeroesDay2019
#BiafraRemembranceDay
9 MOST IMPORTANT INNOVATIONS FROM BIAFRA
3. Biafran Armoured Car: Also from the Nsukka-based RAP, the BAC was fitted with high-powered machine guns & was helpful in sustaining the war efforts.
#BiafraHeroesDay2019
#BiafraRemembranceDay
#Biafra
3. Biafran Armoured Car: Also from the Nsukka-based RAP, the BAC was fitted with high-powered machine guns & was helpful in sustaining the war efforts.
#BiafraHeroesDay2019
#BiafraRemembranceDay
#Biafra
The Biafra story Yoruba kids who grew up in the 80s and 90s like me were told, was tainted with the tribalistic eyes of Awoists. Of course Awo could do no wrong so his stand and actions on the war were right 🙄#BiafraRemembranceDay
The unpopular opinion is that if we'd supported the Biafra cause with our chest, the war would have ended differently, and the country, or whatever pieces that broke away from it, would be better off today. Even Arewa, despite their trepidation
#BiafraRemembranceDay
#BiafraRemembranceDay
That's why today we hear from my kinsmen "what will opening old wounds do for us as a country, let's forget the past and heal". But you can't just simply forget an open wound and expect it to heal 🤷🏽♂️
#BiafraRemembranceDay
#BiafraRemembranceDay
This is a thread of some of the notable people who fought (and died) on the side of Biafra.
Some of them weren't EVEN Igbo.
But they believed in the cause and gave everything to it.
Will start with: General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.
President and Leader of Biafra.
Some of them weren't EVEN Igbo.
But they believed in the cause and gave everything to it.
Will start with: General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.
President and Leader of Biafra.
General Ojukwu before he died always said there was no need for a 2nd war over the agitation of Biafra. I agree with him.
This is why I have a problem with the way IPOB speaks about Biafra. This does not warrant the treatment they have gotten especially as they've been peaceful.
This is why I have a problem with the way IPOB speaks about Biafra. This does not warrant the treatment they have gotten especially as they've been peaceful.
Bruce Mayrock.
Born May 6, 1949, and a 20 year old student of Columbia University, he took his own life for people whom he never met before on May 30, 1969.
He died after setting himself on fire in front of the United Nations Building to protest the atrocities that were being
Born May 6, 1949, and a 20 year old student of Columbia University, he took his own life for people whom he never met before on May 30, 1969.
He died after setting himself on fire in front of the United Nations Building to protest the atrocities that were being
