Asagba Renews Call For Presidential Apology Over 1967 Asaba Massacre
Asagba Demands Official Recognition of 1967 Tragedy
THE Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, OON, has renewed his call for a formal presidential apology over the 1967 Asaba Massacre, describing such an acknowledgment as a necessary step toward justice, reconciliation and national healing.
The monarch made the appeal during an interactive session at DOTT Television in Asaba, where he stressed that nearly six decades after one of the darkest episodes of the Nigerian Civil War, the victims and their families are still waiting for an official expression of remorse from the nation’s highest office.
According to him, the request is not motivated by bitterness or revenge but by the desire to preserve historical truth and promote genuine reconciliation among Nigerians.
Appeal Rooted in Justice and Healing
Prof. Azinge noted that the painful memories of the October 1967 massacre continue to resonate across generations of Asaba indigenes, making it imperative for the Federal Government to formally acknowledge the tragedy.
He argued that a presidential apology would represent more than a symbolic gesture, saying it would demonstrate national responsibility, honour the memory of innocent victims and reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to justice and unity.
The monarch maintained that confronting difficult moments in the country’s history is essential for building lasting peace and strengthening confidence in national institutions.
Federal University Proposed as Symbol of Reconciliation
Beyond the call for an apology, the Asagba renewed his appeal for the establishment of a Federal University in Asaba, describing the proposal as a long-overdue intervention that would address what he termed an imbalance in the distribution of federal educational institutions.
He suggested that the university could serve as part of the Federal Government’s gesture of reconciliation for the loss of more than 1,000 Asaba indigenes during the October 7, 1967 massacre.
According to him, such an institution would not only expand educational opportunities but also stand as a lasting memorial to the victims while promoting national integration through learning and research.
Commitment to Peace and National Unity
The monarch said Asaba had consistently demonstrated resilience, forgiveness and patriotism despite the enduring emotional scars left by the Civil War.
He reaffirmed the kingdom’s commitment to peaceful coexistence, national development and historical truth, expressing optimism that an official acknowledgment of the tragedy would strengthen unity and ensure that future generations never forget the lessons of the past.
Prof. Azinge added that genuine reconciliation requires both remembrance and meaningful action capable of inspiring confidence in a more inclusive Nigerian future.
