At the 59th anniversary memorial of the 1967 Asaba Massacre, former President Olusegun Obasanjo called on survivors and victims’ families to embrace forgiveness and reconciliation to ensure such a civil war tragedy never recurs.
In response, the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, stated that while the community forgives, full closure requires a formal apology from a sitting Nigerian president.
Pointing out the Odi killings during Obasanjo’s presidency, Azinge questioned the “never again” sentiment, though he made a key reconciliation gesture by publicly forgiving the family of Col.
Ibrahim Taiwo after his son, Maj. Gen. Ahmed Taiwo (retd.), offered an apology.Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by SSG Dr. Kingsley Emu, condemned the killing of over 1,000 unarmed civilians and pledged support for a national memorial.
Organizers led by Chief Chuks Nduka-Eze noted that preparations are underway for next year’s 60th anniversary to permanently honor the victims and establish a fitting memorial center.
You Might Also Like
