Asagba Renews Call for Presidential Apology 58 Years After Civil War Asaba Massacre
The paramount ruler of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Professor Epiphany Azinge, the Asagba of Asaba, has reiterated the community’s long-standing demand for a formal apology from a sitting President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria concerning the devastating massacre that transpired in the town 58 years ago during the Nigerian Civil War.
The monarch’s statement was made on Tuesday during the Annual Memorial Anniversary of the October 7, 1967 Asaba Massacre, an event held to honor those who perished in the tragic wartime incident.
Addressing the gathering, the Asagba underscored the enduring pain and profound psychological impact the mass killings have had on the Asaba populace.
“It is fitting that we gather today to pay homage to our slain brethren,” he remarked. “We are the direct inheritors of this trauma, making this yearly commemoration deeply significant to us.”
He lamented the generational consequences, noting that those born at the time of the atrocity are now grandparents, highlighting the struggles faced by individuals orphaned or raised by single parents as a direct result of the violence.
Professor Azinge confirmed that the community is intensifying its pursuit of recognition and atonement. He referenced a recent, direct engagement with the nation’s leadership, stating, “On March 20, 2025, we took a bold initiative to engage a sitting President on the Asaba massacre. We are prepared to escalate this matter to any necessary platform. If nations like Rwanda can emerge stronger, Asaba too possesses that resilience.”
The monarch clarified that his primary appeal to President Bola Tinubu is the overdue presidential apology. Furthermore, to soothe the anguish of the community and honor the souls lost nearly six decades ago, the Asagba is pressing for the establishment of a Federal University in Asaba.
“This request for a Federal University has been consistent since the time of the 13th Asagba and remains my ardent plea,” he asserted. “Fulfilling this will signal that our loved ones did not perish in vain. These are the aspirations we are pursuing, and we are confident they will materialize.”
The Asagba stressed the imperative for the Nigerian government to acknowledge the legitimacy of Asaba’s petitions and provide an adequate response.
Chief Chuck Nduka-Eze, the Isama-Aje of Asaba and organizer of the memorial event, spoke on the community’s resolve. While acknowledging President Tinubu’s silence when confronted with the issue, he interpreted it not as ignorance but as a sign of consideration.
Chief Nduka-Eze highlighted the importance of this year’s observance, which followed a successful motion in the Delta State House of Assembly mandating a minute of silence every October 7th in remembrance of the victims.
He also unveiled plans for the erection of a grand monument in their memory, which will feature an eternal flame to burn perpetually .
The solemn event reached its climax with a 21-gun salute and a one-minute silence, observed both at the Delta State House of Assembly and the community’s traditional administrative center, Ogwa-Ukwu, Asaba.
