- The Asagba of Asaba insists that a presidential apology is long overdue for victims of the Asaba Massacre.
- He requested the establishment of a Federal University in Asaba as compensation for the tragedy.
- Chief Chuck Nduka-Eze stressed that Tinubu’s silence does not erase the reality of the massacre.
- This year’s commemoration included a 21-gun salute and a minute of silence to honour the victims of the Asaba Massacre.
His Royal Majesty, Asagba of Asaba Prof. Epiphany Azinge, has renewed calls for a presidential apology to the people of Asaba, 58 years after the October 7, 1967 Asaba Massacre that left hundreds dead during the civil war.
Speaking during the Annual Memorial Anniversary in honour of the victims, Azinge said the community will not relent in demanding recognition and justice. He described the massacre as a tragedy that shattered families, left many orphans, and left a lasting psychological impact on Asaba.
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He recalled that on March 20, 2025, he personally confronted a sitting president over the issue and is prepared to take the matter to any level necessary. “If Rwanda can come out stronger, Asaba is also strong,” the monarch said.
Azinge’s foremost request to President Bola Tinubu is a formal presidential apology. He also urged the government to establish a Federal University in Asaba, describing it as the only fitting way to ease the pain of survivors and ensure that those who died did not perish in vain.
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In his remarks, the Convener of the Memorial Anniversary and Isama-Aje of Asaba, Chief Chuck Nduka-Eze, said Tinubu’s silence when confronted about the Asaba massacre should not be mistaken as ignorance of the incident. He praised the Delta State House of Assembly for adopting a motion that mandates one minute of silence every October 7 in remembrance of the victims.
Nduka-Eze further revealed plans for a permanent monument in honour of the victims, featuring an eternal flame that will burn continuously. The event was marked with a 21-gun salute and moments of silence at both the Delta State House of Assembly and Ogwa-Ukwu, Asaba.
