The Asagba of Asaba, Obi (Prof.) Epiphany Azinge, has condemned the Oct. 7, 1967 Asaba massacre by the Nigerian military as a war crime and crime against humanity.
Speaking at the 2024 Asaba Memorial Day Celebration on Sunday, the monarch reflected on the injustice and suffering endured by the people of Asaba following the tragic event.
The massacre, which occurred during the Nigerian Civil War, saw over 1,000 unarmed civilians killed by the military.
Obi Azinge, who was crowned the 14th Asagba of Asaba just a day before, described the event as a painful chapter that will forever remain in the hearts of Asaba’s people.
“There is no justification for the massacre of innocent and defenseless civilians,” the monarch said. “Even if we forgive, we can never forget. Fifty-seven years later, the tragedy still lingers.”
The event, held at the Ogwa-Ukwu Ahaba community hall, also highlighted the sacrifices and commitment of Asaba’s people toward the town’s growth and development.
Obi Azinge called on all sons and daughters of Asaba to unite in promoting the rich culture and history of the community.
Chief Chuck Nduka-Eze, chairman of the Asaba Memorial and Monument Group, emphasized the symbolic nature of the annual remembrance.
He urged Asaba natives to support ongoing projects aimed at honoring the victims, including the planting of 1,000 trees across the town and the launch of the Asaba Monument Hall.
“This is not just an event—it binds us as a community, a tribute to the blood of our ancestors,” Nduka-Eze stated. The memorial event, which began in 1998, continues to serve as a vital reminder of the sacrifices made during one of Nigeria’s darkest moments.
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