“If the South-East Had No Desire to Secede, There Wouldn’t Have Been a Nigeria-Biafra War” – Yakubu Gowon

In a thought-provoking statement, Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, reflected on the devastating Nigeria-Biafra War, asserting that the conflict would never have occurred if the South-East had no desire for secession. The remark, made during an exclusive interview and shared by Nigerian Stories on its official X handle, has reignited conversations about one of the most defining and tragic periods in the nation’s history.

Gowon, who led Nigeria through the Civil War (1967–1970), emphasized the deep-rooted tensions that led to the Biafran struggle for independence under the leadership of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. According to him, the war—which claimed millions of lives—was born out of the aspirations of the South-Eastern region to break away and form an independent Biafran state. “If there was no desire for secession, the conflict that tore the nation apart could have been avoided,” Gowon stated, highlighting the pivotal role of the secessionist movement in igniting the war.

The Nigeria-Biafra War, often regarded as one of Africa’s bloodiest conflicts, left a lasting scar on the nation. Gowon’s latest remarks offer a sobering reminder of the complexities surrounding the war, the political dynamics of the time, and the heavy price the country paid. His words have sparked renewed interest and debate, particularly as issues of regional autonomy, ethnic identity, and national unity remain sensitive topics in contemporary Nigeria.

Social media users have been quick to weigh in, with many reflecting on the long-term consequences of the war and the enduring legacies of distrust and division it left behind. Some have also pointed to the ongoing calls for self-determination in various parts of the country, drawing parallels between the past and present.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with issues of nationhood and regional discontent, Gowon’s statement serves as a reminder of the importance of dialogue, unity, and the lessons of history in preventing a recurrence of such tragedies. The question of whether Nigeria has fully healed from the wounds of the Civil War remains a topic of intense discussion among citizens and political analysts alike.