Thread by @maazi_ogbonnaya

ASABA MASSACRE

This happened between 5-7 October 1967. The main name of Asaba is Ahaba.

The Federal troops entered Asaba and claimed to be Biafran sympathisers. They were ransacking houses and killing civilians.

RT this thread for another historical reach

Several hundred were killed individually and in groups at various locations in the town. Community leaders summoned the people to assemble on the morning of 7th October 1967, hoping to end the violence through a show of support for "One Nigeria."

Hundreds of men, women, and children, many wearing the ceremonial akwa ọcha dress paraded along the main street, singing, dancing, and chanting "One Nigeria."

At a junction, men and teenage boys were separated from women and young children, and gathered in an open square at Ogbe-Osowa village. Federal troops revealed machine guns, and orders were given, reportedly by Second-in-Command, Maj. Ibrahim Taiwo, to open fire.

It is estimated that more than 700 men and boys were killed, some as young as 12 years old, in addition to many more killed in the preceding days.

The bodies of some victims were retrieved by family members and buried at home.

But most were buried in mass graves, without appropriate ceremony. Many extended families lost dozens of men and boys. Federal troops occupied Asaba for many months, during which time most of the town was destroyed, many women and girls were raped or forcibly married.

Large numbers of citizens fled, often not returning until the war ended in 1970. The total death toll during early October was in excess of 1,000, although the exact numbers will likely never be known.

But thousands of souls were lost, despite their solidarity to one Nigeria.

Sorry the Massacre year is 1970*