Biafran War Veterans Call for National Remembrance of All Victims

In a poignant reflection on Nigeria's tumultuous past, Corporal Sasa Ugwumba Kalu Nwoke, known widely as ‘Corporal Nwafor,’ has called for the establishment of a Biafra Remembrance Day to honor all victims and veterans of the Nigerian Civil War. At 75, the veteran's voice resonates with the weight of history as he speaks out on the significance of remembering those who lost their lives during the 30-month conflict.

Nwafor's comments come on the heels of the 59th memorial of the Asaba massacre, an event that drew attention from notable figures including former President Olusegun Obasanjo. While he acknowledges the importance of commemorating the Asaba victims, Nwafor emphasizes that the remembrance should extend to all areas impacted by the war, not just the infamous massacre.

“Who is afraid of remembering Biafra?” Nwafor questioned during an exclusive interview. He argued that if other genocides around the world are acknowledged, so too should the atrocities faced by the Biafran people. “Since they have started remembering Asaba genocide, that’s okay. One by one they will remember other genocides, including the one in Aba and other parts of Biafra,” he stated, advocating for a broader dialogue about the war's legacy.

Nwafor urges a national confrontation of this painful chapter in history, insisting that it is imperative to discuss and acknowledge the injustices faced by many during the conflict. “We should not be suppressed from talking about it. It’s our history that cannot be buried,” he declared, calling for a collective effort to honor all those who suffered and lost their lives.