When did Nigeria civil war started? The Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War, began on July 6, 1967. This conflict, which lasted for three years, was a result of the secession of the southeastern region of Nigeria, known as Biafra, from the rest of the country. The war was primarily driven by political, economic, and ethnic tensions that had been brewing since the country’s independence from Great Britain in 1960.
The roots of the Nigerian Civil War can be traced back to the country’s complex socio-political landscape. Nigeria, with its diverse ethnic groups, had been facing challenges in governance and national integration since its inception. The major ethnic groups, including the Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo, had differing interests and aspirations, leading to a power struggle that eventually erupted into full-scale conflict.
The Igbo people, who predominantly inhabited the southeastern region, felt marginalized and oppressed by the central government. They believed that their cultural, linguistic, and political rights were being trampled upon. This sense of injustice led to the declaration of Biafra’s independence on May 30, 1967, under the leadership of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the then military governor of the Eastern Region.
The Nigerian government, under the leadership of General Yakubu Gowon, refused to recognize Biafra’s secession and launched a military campaign to suppress the rebellion. The war was characterized by intense fighting, widespread destruction, and massive loss of life. It is estimated that between one and three million people died during the conflict, primarily due to starvation, disease, and combat-related injuries.
The war took a heavy toll on the Nigerian economy, as the country’s oil revenues were severely impacted. The Nigerian military employed a strategy of aerial bombing and blockades to cut off Biafra from essential supplies, including food and medical aid. This strategy, known as the “no Victor, no Vanquished” policy, aimed to starve Biafra into submission.
However, the Nigerian military faced significant challenges in its campaign against Biafra. The Biafran forces, despite being outnumbered and outgunned, were highly motivated and fought fiercely to protect their homeland. They also received support from neighboring countries, such as Zambia, Gabon, and Ivory Coast, which provided them with military assistance and supplies.
The war finally came to an end on January 15, 1970, when the Nigerian military, with the help of French mercenaries, captured the Biafran capital, Enugu. The Nigerian government then implemented a series of measures to reintegrate Biafra into the country, including the release of political prisoners and the lifting of economic sanctions.
The Nigerian Civil War left a lasting impact on the nation. It exposed the deep-seated ethnic and political divisions that had been festering within the country. The war also highlighted the challenges of nation-building and the importance of addressing the concerns of marginalized groups. Despite the passage of time, the wounds of the conflict continue to heal slowly, and the legacy of the Nigerian Civil War remains a sensitive topic for many Nigerians today.
