Asaba October 7 Memorial Group has concluded plans to celebrate a major event in the history of the town which occurred 50 years ago.
Chairman of the group, Alban Ofili-Okonkwo, in a statement at the weekend, said October 2017 marks the 50th anniversary of the killings of unarmed and defenceless indigenes in Asaba, one of the ugliest episodes of the Nigerian civil war, which attracted international condemnation of the Nigerian authorities.
“The victims were Nigerian citizens who had trooped out to welcome Nigerian soldiers that had reclaimed the vital town of Asaba in Midwestern Nigeria from Biafran troops in October 1967.”
Ofili-Okonkwo added that the programme would span four days, with the theme, “Remembrance and Forgiveness,” and added that the activities designed to commemorate this year’s anniversary would revolve around the theme. He said the group will embark on sensitisation and citizen engagement programmes to achieve healing and closure which will “signal the collective resolve of Asaba indigenes to leave behind the memories of their tragic past and walk resolutely into a more promising future.
“It also aims at galvanising Asaba people towards rebirth and healing,” he added.
Commemorative activities begin October 5, with a one-minute silence for the Asaba martyrs, at noon, followed by a media briefing, canon shots heralding traditional burial rites for the dead (known in Asaba culture as egwu ota). Also planned are service of songs and candle light procession to Ogbeosawa grave site for tributes to the dead, interdenominational service, exhibition of artefacts, documentary and presentation of awards to honourees. A major highlight of the anniversary, he further disclosed, would be the presentation of a book on the carnage entitled: “The Asaba Massacre – Trauma, Memories, and the Nigerian Civil War,” authored by renowned Anthropologist, Prof. S. Elizabeth Bird and co-authored by distinguished historian, Prof. Fraser Ottanelli both of the University of South Florida.
The book presentation will, however, be preceded by a colloquium on the Asaba Massacre, with the theme: “In Pursuit of Rebirth.”
Eminent scholars, statesmen, renowned industrialists and other distinguished citizens of the world are expected to attend the activities marking the anniversary.
The activities will be rounded off on Sunday, October 8 with thanksgiving service in churches all over the world.