‘Never Again’: Obasanjo Urges Honest Reckoning With Nigeria’s Civil War History
FORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo has renewed calls for Nigeria to confront the unresolved historical and political issues that culminated in the Nigerian Civil War, warning that many of the underlying conditions that fuelled the 1967 conflict remain evident today. His remarks came as preparations intensify for the 2026 Asaba Massacre Memorial Anniversary, where “Never Again” has been adopted as the central theme in a renewed campaign for historical remembrance, reconciliation and national healing.
Civil War Lessons Remain Relevant
Receiving an extensive collection of books, archival materials, documentary films, eyewitness testimonies and historical research relating to the October 1967 Asaba Massacre at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Obasanjo stressed that history must not be ignored if Nigeria hopes to avoid repeating one of the darkest chapters in its national story.
According to the former president, the country has already paid an enormous price through civil conflict and cannot afford another national crisis.
He warned that several political, social and ethnic tensions that contributed to the outbreak of the Civil War continue to exist, making it imperative for Nigerians to study history honestly rather than suppress difficult conversations.
“We have fought one civil war too many,” Obasanjo declared, urging citizens and leaders alike to ensure that the lessons of history remain central to national development.
Asaba Massacre Returns to National Attention
The presentation was led by Chairman of the Asaba Memorial Trust and the Asaba Image Branding and Project Committee, Chief Chuck Nduka-Eze, who submitted a comprehensive historical documentation on the Asaba Massacre.
The materials included:
- Eyewitness testimonies
- Recorded interviews
- Documentary films
- Archival records
- Academic research
- Audio-visual evidence
The documentation forms part of an ongoing memorandum urging the Federal Government and the National Assembly to formally recognise the Asaba Massacre as one of Nigeria’s defining historical tragedies.
According to the submission, Federal troops entered Asaba in October 1967 during the Civil War, after which civilians were reportedly assembled and instructed to declare allegiance to “One Nigeria.”
The memorandum states that men were subsequently separated from women and children before hundreds—and according to several historical accounts, more than one thousand—unarmed civilians were killed.
Although casualty estimates remain debated among historians, multiple independent historical sources describe the incident as one of the most devastating civilian massacres recorded during the Nigerian Civil War.
Preserving History as a Tool for Peace
Obasanjo explained that preserving painful historical records remains one of the guiding objectives of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library.
According to him, documenting difficult moments in Nigeria’s history is not intended to reopen old wounds but to preserve historical truth, strengthen reconciliation and educate future generations.
While acknowledging his own role as a military commander during the Civil War, he noted that military operations in Asaba were conducted under the command of the late General Murtala Mohammed.
He also recalled intervening personally during the conflict to stop a soldier from assaulting a civilian woman, arguing that military commanders have a responsibility to prevent abuses by troops under their command whenever possible.
The former president further referenced former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon’s public expressions of regret over wartime excesses, describing reconciliation as an ongoing national responsibility.
Campaign for Official Recognition
Chief Chuck Nduka-Eze explained that the campaign surrounding the Asaba Massacre seeks recognition rather than legal confrontation.
According to him, the initiative advocates:
- Formal national acknowledgement of the massacre.
- Preservation of documentary evidence.
- Support for memorial institutions.
- Appropriate consideration for affected families.
- Wider historical education for younger generations.
Supporters argue that official recognition would strengthen institutional memory while reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to justice, reconciliation and democratic values.
‘Never Again’ Becomes 2026 Memorial Theme
The organisers announced that “Never Again” will serve as the official theme for the 4 October 2026 Asaba Memorial Anniversary.
In a significant development, Obasanjo has agreed to chair the memorial event after reportedly adjusting his schedule to participate personally.
Elder statesman and former Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Chief Simon Okeke, described the Asaba Massacre as one of Nigeria’s most painful historical episodes, insisting that no generation should witness similar atrocities again.
The organisers maintain that remembrance is intended to promote national unity rather than division, arguing that confronting difficult history honestly remains essential to preventing future conflict.
