By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. | adeyemi@ddnewsonline.com
Editor, DDNews |
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has issued a strong warning that Nigeria must never experience another civil war, noting that many of the underlying factors that led to the 1967–1970 conflict still persist today.
Obasanjo made the remark on Wednesday at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta while receiving a historical documentation on the Asaba Massacre from the Isama Ajie of Asaba, Chief Chuck Nduka-Eze.
Follow DDNewsOnline on Facebook For More Breaking News
The documentation, titled Asaba Massacre, is a comprehensive work comprising published transcripts and an audiovisual documentary based on eyewitness accounts, interviews, archival materials, and historical research.
As a military commander during the Nigerian Civil War, Obasanjo admitted he had often refrained from commenting extensively on the Asaba Massacre because the area fell under the command of the late General Murtala Muhammed.
He commended Chief Nduka-Eze for the thorough documentation, describing it as a vital contribution to preserving Nigeria’s history and preventing future tragedies.
“We pride ourselves that we preserve the past, we capture the present and we inspire the future… We want to capture it, we want to know about it,” Obasanjo said.
Follow And Like Us On Tiktok
He recalled personally intervening during the war to stop a soldier from raping a woman in Asaba, stressing the importance of command responsibility.
Expressing deep concern over the current state of the nation, the former president noted that several grievances that triggered the civil war remain unresolved.
“Some of the things that led to the civil war are still on. Now, how long will this be with us?” he asked.
Obasanjo referenced a remark by former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, stating that Nigeria might not survive another civil war.
“I believe we have fought one civil war too many already. So, to say that we will have a second civil war, God forbid,” he declared.
For Breaking News And More Follow Us On Instagram
He urged Nigerians to learn from past events and commit to ensuring such atrocities never recur.
Chief Chuck Nduka-Eze explained that the documentation was based on extensive research, including eyewitness testimonies and archival records.
He stated that after federal troops entered Asaba, civilians were assembled, instructed to declare loyalty to Nigeria by saying “One Nigeria,” and that men were subsequently separated from women and children before many unarmed males were killed.
Subscribe To The Best Team In Conservative, Business, Technology, Lifestyle And Digital News Realtime! support@ddnewsonline.com
Check out – Discover How to work and Earn with Dailyhustle
While the exact death toll remains uncertain, evidence points to more than 1,000 civilian deaths, making it one of the most devastating incidents of the civil war for the Asaba community.
Nduka-Eze echoed Obasanjo’s concerns, warning that ethnic mistrust and other unresolved issues that contributed to the war continue to threaten national unity.
The event served as a solemn reminder of the need for healing, reconciliation, and proactive steps to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy and unity.
Follow Us On Youtube
Obasanjo pledged to do everything possible to ensure that Nigeria never experiences another civil war.
DDNewsOnline – Lagos
By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. (Beedee)
Send tips to: adeyemi@ddnewsonline.com
09164987165 / 08168555497
©️ 2026 DD NewsOnline