The Nigeria-Biafra War, also known as the Nigerian Civil War, was a tragic conflict that began after Nigeria gained independence. Tensions between different ethnic groups, along with political and economic issues, led to the crisis.
In May 1967, the Eastern Region, mostly made up of the Igbo people, declared itself a separate country called the Republic of Biafra, led by Lt. Col. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.
The Nigerian government, under General Yakubu Gowon, responded by launching a military effort to keep the country together. Sadly, the war caused the deaths of about 100,000 soldiers and between 500,000 and 2 million civilians, mainly due to famine caused by a government blockade.
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Causes Of The Nigeria-Biafra War
The Nigeria-Biafra War, also called the Nigerian Civil War, was caused by problems that started long before the war began. In 1914, the British joined the Northern and Southern parts of Nigeria into one country, forcing over 250 different ethnic groups to live together.
These groups had different languages, cultures, and religions. The British also gave more power and support to the Hausa-Fulani in the North, which made other groups like the Igbo in the East and the Yoruba in the West feel left out.
After Nigeria gained independence in 1960, these tensions got worse. In January 1966, some Igbo army officers led a coup and took over the government. People in the North thought it was a plan by the Igbo to take full control. A second coup happened in July 1966, led by Northern soldiers.
After that, there were mass killings of Igbo people in the North, and about 30,000 were killed. Many others ran back to the East to escape the violence. At the same time, oil was discovered in the Niger Delta, which is in the East.
The federal government controlled the oil money, but the Eastern Region felt it was not getting its fair share. In 1966, the government stopped sending money to the East. Feeling cheated and unsafe, the Eastern leader, Lt. Col. Ojukwu, declared Biafra a new country on May 30, 1967.
The Nigerian government refused to accept this and saw it as a threat to the country. War began. Britain secretly helped Nigeria to protect its oil interests. Biafra got help from France and Israel.
Inside Biafra, some minority groups didn’t support secession, fearing Igbo control. However, the war lasted 30 months. More than one million people died, mostly from hunger. It was a tragic result of long-standing problems.
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Key Figures In The Nigeria-Biafra War
Here are the key figures in the Nigeria-Biafra war:
1. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu
Lieutenant Colonel Emeka Ojukwu was the face of Biafra’s struggle. As the Eastern Region’s military governor, he declared Biafra’s independence in May 1967 to protect the Igbo people after the 1966 pogroms and coups. Known for his military discipline, Ojukwu maintained tight control over Biafra’s leadership.
He created secret military units outside regular command to deter internal coups. He executed several officers accused of betrayal, including Colonel Victor Banjo. As Biafra collapsed, Ojukwu fled to the Ivory Coast in January 1970, leaving his deputy to surrender.
2. Yakubu Gowon
General Yakubu Gowon led the Nigerian federal side. He assumed power after the 1966 counter-coup and wanted to keep Nigeria united. Though he initially called it a “police action,” the conflict soon escalated into full-scale war.
Under his watch, Nigeria enforced a naval blockade that led to severe famine in Biafra. Despite internal ethnic pressures, especially from northern officers, Gowon managed to keep the federal coalition together. After Biafra’s fall, he adopted a conciliatory tone, declaring “no victor, no vanquished.”
3. Benjamin Adekunle
Colonel Adekunle commanded the 3rd Marine Commando. He led key offensives, including the capture of Calabar, cutting off Biafran supply routes. Praised for military effectiveness, his division was accused of atrocities, including the 1967 Asaba massacre.
4. Victor Banjo
A Yoruba officer who joined Biafra, Banjo led the 1967 invasion of the Midwestern Region. Despite early success, he was executed by Ojukwu over an alleged coup plot.
Others are: Philip Effiong surrendered Biafra. Mohammed Shuwa led the Nigerian 1st Division. Olusegun Obasanjo commanded the final offensive. Foreign mercenaries like Lynn Garrison also played a part.
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Five Major Facts About The Nigerian Biafra War
Here are five major facts about the Nigeria-Biafra War:
1. The War Was Caused By Ethnic and Political Tensions Following Coups And Acts Of Violence
The Nigeria-Biafra War started because of ethnic and political tensions. After a military coup in January 1966, followed by a bloody counter-coup and targeted killings of Igbo people in Northern Nigeria, tensions exploded. These massacres, known as pogroms, forced thousands of Igbos to flee back to the Eastern Region.
2. Biafra Declared Independence In 1967, Which Led To Civil War
On May 30, 1967, Lieutenant Colonel Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu announced the Eastern Region’s secession, forming the Republic of Biafra.
In response, the Nigerian federal government under General Yakubu Gowon launched a military offensive on July 6 to start the civil war. The conflict grew into a full-blown war that lasted almost three years.
3. Control Of Oil Was A Major Cause Of The Nigeria-Biafra War (1967-1970)
Biafra’s territory included much of the oil-rich Niger Delta. Control over this region was essential because oil made up the bulk of Nigeria’s national income. The federal government was determined to regain control over the oil fields, which made the conflict not just political but also economic.
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4. The Nigeria-Biafra War Caused Famine And Humanitarian Crisis
The Nigerian government enforced a blockade on Biafra, cutting off food and medical aid. This led to a deadly famine. Between 500,000 and 2 million civilians, mostly children, died from starvation and disease. Global outrage over the suffering led to the creation of humanitarian groups like Doctors Without Borders.
5. The Nigeria-Biafra War Ended In 1970
Biafra surrendered in January 1970 after immense loss and hardship. Nigeria was reunified, but the pain and divisions are still there.
