HRM Obi Chike Edozien, the Asagba of Asaba has urged the Federal Government to own up to the massacre of Asaba indigenes which took place some 54 years ago.
The Obi stated this during the two days Asaba Massacre Annual Memorial Anniversary at the Asagba’s palace
He said;
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“Time has come for Nigeria to remember what happened in Asaba during the war on October 1967.
“After many years, Asaba has resolved that Nigeria should own the tragedy, it should be Nigeria’s massacres and not Asaba massacres.
“We are inviting Nigeria to come and commemorate a cenotaph in Asaba for these victims. Federal Government should build a monument for them.
“This year’s anniversary is special because we are dedicating it to women of Asaba whose husbands were killed but vowed to bring up the children they left.
“Asaba women were left widowed but they did not relent in upholding the legacies of their husbands”
Prof. Joy Ogwu, a former president of the United Nations Security Council, In an address, stated that it was a dangerous trend for the root causes of such a massacre to be swept under the carpet and not properly addressed.
“Oftentimes, its root causes are never addressed; instead, they remain hidden sources of future conflicts, whatever the strategic considerations for that operation.
“The Asaba Massacre must not constitute for us a relic of history. It must become a living legend shaped by the people of Asaba and those who share their values of humanity, civility, and responsibility,” she said
Prof. Joy gave accolades to the Asaba women commending them for their resilience and courage in birthing a new generation after the massacre which attempted to wipe out the entire Community.
