The Asagba of Asaba, Obi Prof. Chike Edozien, has called on the Federal Government to issue a formal apology for the 1967 Asaba Massacre, in which hundreds of civilians were killed during the Nigerian Civil War. The monarch made this demand during a visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. He emphasized that acknowledging the tragic event is crucial for reconciliation and national healing.
During the visit, Obi Edozien highlighted the long-standing grievances of the Asaba people, stating that the massacre remains a painful chapter in the community’s history. He urged the Federal Government to not only apologize but also take concrete steps toward memorializing the victims and supporting the affected families. He further noted that past administrations had failed to properly address the issue, leaving wounds unhealed for decades.
The 1967 Asaba Massacre occurred during the Nigerian Civil War when federal troops, under suspicion that the town harbored Biafran sympathizers, rounded up and executed hundreds of unarmed men. The incident has since been regarded as one of the most horrific war crimes in Nigerian history, yet official recognition and justice have remained elusive.
President Tinubu acknowledged the monarch’s concerns and assured him that his administration is committed to fostering unity and addressing historical injustices. While no official commitment was made regarding an apology, the meeting signals a renewed conversation on reconciliation, historical accountability, and national unity.
